DEIR AL-ZOR PROVINCE, Syria: The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) militia battling Daesh in Syria said on Thursday it had freed 24 of its fighters held in the eastern town of Bahgouz, where the militants are making a final stand near the Iraqi border. The SDF has been trying to evacuate thousands of civilians in Baghouz before storming it or forcing the surrender of the remaining extremists, who are mostly foreigners.