Kurdish-led forces deny rumors Raqqa operations suspended

Kurdish-led forces battling the Islamic State (IS) in Raqqa, Syria, denied reports their advance had been suspended.

RAQQA, Syria (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdish-led forces battling the Islamic State (IS) in Raqqa, Syria, denied reports their advance had been suspended.

A commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-Arab alliance dominated by the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), downplayed rumors of setbacks against IS.

“Such rumors are spread to smear our operations,” said SDF commander Klara Reqa. “Fighting continues, we are advancing.”

An unnamed spokesman for the SDF added the forces were aware of the militant group’s resistance and were proceeding carefully.

“We are fighting and advancing with great caution,” they said. “IS fortifications appear stronger.”

Officials from the US-led coalition have also addressed the rumors, denying the operations against the extremists had halted.

“Operations to defeat [IS] in Raqqa continue,” the spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) Ryan Dillon wrote on Twitter.

He added the SDF had recaptured over 35 square-kilometers from IS and reports they had suspended operations were “not true.”

According to the Kurdish-led forces, they have freed eight neighborhoods in Raqqa since the offensive began on June 6.

Nearly 35 percent of the region, IS’ stronghold in Syria, is now under SDF control.

Meanwhile, Pentagon spokesperson Jeff Davis on Monday addressed the casualty toll since the operation against IS in Raqqa started.

“We knew that Raqqa was going to be very hard,” he said. “It’s a stop-and-go effort by its very nature.”

Raqqa is a densely-populated city and, as a result, the US-led coalition and SDF remain mindful to minimize civilian casualties.

The UN has warned that thousands of civilians remain trapped in the city, where IS militants are using many as human shields.

 

Editing by G.H. Renaud