U.S. Spokesman: ISIS in Raqqa "on Verge of Defeat"
KATE BOLDUAN, CNN ANCHOR: What could be a defining moment in the fight against ISIS, moments ago, a spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition in Syria saying ISIS terrorists in Raqqa are on the verge of defeat. And U.S.-backed forces on the ground there are already claiming victory, saying Raqqa has been liberated, and major military operations there are over. Joining me from Iraq's border with Syria, CNN's senior international correspondent, Arwa Damon, with much more. Arwa, lay this out for us.</s>ARWA DAMON, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Kate. The forces on the ground, the Syrian Democratic forces, are not quite yet claiming that Raqqa has been liberated. Although, yes, they have declared major combat operations over, saying they're focusing on going after small pockets of resistance, smaller groups of ISIS fighters. Also trying to make sure that there aren't any sleeper cells, either single individuals or small groups, hiding out in the rubble of that utterly devastated city. They are saying that they expect to be able to fully announce Raqqa's liberation in the next, they're hoping, two to three days. The U.S. coalition spokesperson also said that, based on their rough estimates, they think that about 100 ISIS fighters may be left inside the city. But most certainly, it is in its final days. And this is a very significant moment. Remember, Raqqa was the first major city to fall to ISIS, the capital of its self-declared caliphate. And now ISIS can no longer at least make that claim. Significant losses territorially, but that does not necessarily mean the end, the defeat of the organization itself -- Kate?</s>BOLDUAN: A question of what it all means going forward, a huge question for all of the leaders on the ground and here in the United States. Great to see you, Arwa. Thank you so much. We'll follow that and bring you updated statements when they come. Also this we're following today. New polls are out showing most Americans believe the president of the United States is leading the country right now in the wrong direction. Not all bad news for the president, especially when you look at his own party right now. Details on that ahead.