Kurdish-led SDF control half of IS stronghold of Raqqa

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have liberated 45 percent of Raqqa from the Islamic State.

Nadia Riva 2017/07/27 14:40

middle east YPG YPJ ISIS Raqqa Syria SDF

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have liberated 45 percent of Raqqa from the Islamic State (IS) according to a statement released by the Democratic Union Party (PYD) on Thursday.

Jihan Sheikh Ahmed, the spokesperson for the Wrath of Euphrates campaign, announced the operation to retake Raqqa, spearheaded by the People’s Protection Units (YPG), was progressing swiftly and only half of the city remained under IS-control.

“After 47 days of the Great Battle to liberate Raqqa have passed, the Wrath of Euphrates fighters retaken eight neighborhoods, and our fighters hold 45 percent of the city,” the statement said.

The statement on the Democratic Union Party's (PYD) page states SDF fighters control 50 percent of Raqqa. (Photo: Facebook)

Ahmed highlighted the US-backed SDF was taking great care in avoiding civilian casualties, stating “the most important” for the fighters was to ensure civilians can escape IS.

She added battles are ongoing in six neighborhoods within the city and four areas on the outskirts of Raqqa.

Waging battle on all fronts, Ahmed said they expect IS to fall in two additional neighborhoods in the southern and northwest of the city.

According to reports, SDF fighters are combing through the streets, dismantling and removing mines, and opening pathways for fleeing civilians.

Ahmed noted thousands of civilians had already been freed from the extremist group’s grip.

Ahmed also recognized the role of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) and notably the Yezidi (Ezidi) battalion’s contribution to the fight.

“The battle for Raqqa is the battle to avenge every Ezidi woman and women exposed to the oppression of terrorism,” she stated.

“We pay tribute to the sacrifices and resistance of the Ezidi women’s units from Shingal (Sinjar) Mountain who came to avenge the women who were taken and sold at the hands of the mercenaries,” Ahmed added.

The fight for Raqqa, IS’ self-proclaimed caliphate de facto capital, has been fierce.

Earlier this week, it was reported intense fighting in cooperation and coordination with US-led coalition air strikes occurred in the old town, the west, and south of the city.

“The Syrian Democratic Forces are now in control of 50 percent of Raqqa city despite the fierce resistance mounted by [IS],” said Rami Abdel-Rahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

IS has fought back the Kurdish and Arab forces using car bombs, suicide attacks, and weaponized drones.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany