Raqqa , one of Syria 's most liberal cities , has been targeted by al Qaeda - backed militants . Fear has gripped the town as militants have imposed hardline Islamic laws in recent months . Women 's rights have been violated and many activists and locals have fled the city . Activist : ` ` It 's like Afghanistan . But CNN has gathered rare video from some activists and from ISIS 's own websites that paint a chilling picture of the rapid lurch towards radical Islamist ideology in a city now under ISIS control . Now people call Raqqa Tora Bora . ''
Raqqa , one of Syria 's most liberal cities , has been targeted by al Qaeda - backed militants . Fear has gripped the town as militants have imposed hardline Islamic laws in recent months . Women 's rights have been violated and many activists and locals have fled the city . Activist : ` ` It 's like Afghanistan . Now people call Raqqa Tora Bora . ''