The AFP correspondent in Raqa reported the sound of heavy bombardment, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported "clashes between government forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces stationed at Al-Aqtan prison", on the city's outskirts, adding that government forces also shelled an SDF military position north of the city.

A Kurdish source with knowledge of the talks told AFP on condition of anonymity that direct negotiations were held on Monday between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF chief Mazloum Abdi but were not positive.

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