Militant group IS has been defeated

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) today announced that the five-year reign of terror by the militant group Islamic State (IS) is over.

According to the SDF, the last remaining IS militants were defeated in Syria in recent days.

"Syrian Democratic Forces declare total elimination of so-called caliphate and 100 per cent territorial defeat of ISIS [the IS group]," said Mustafa Bali, head of the SDF media office, in a message posted on Twitter today.

While confirming the victory, SDF General Mazloum Kobani said his forces would continue operations against IS sleeper cells.

Kobani also called on the Syrian Government, which has vowed to retake all of the country, to recognise autonomous areas under SDF control.

World leaders welcomed the announcement.

French President Emmanuel Macron said a "major danger for our country has been eliminated".

UK Prime Minister Theresa May said her administration would do "what is necessary" to protect the British people and others from the threat of IS.

Since the announcement SDF fighters have been raising victory flags in Baghuz, the last stronghold of the jihadist group.

But amid the celebrations, there are warnings that IS remains a major global security threat.

The jihadists retain a presence in the region and are active in countries from Nigeria to the Philippines.

At the height of its reign, IS controlled 88,000 square kilometres of land stretching across Syria and Iraq.

After five years of fierce battles, though, local forces, backed by world powers, left IS with all but a few hundred square metres near Syria's border with Iraq.

We want to hear from you! Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169, email us at editors@gleanerjm.com or onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.