Raqqa battle: YPG-led forces supplied with armored vehicles

QAMISHLO, Syrian Kurdistan (Kurdistan24) - The Kurdish-led, US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) received armored vehicles from the US-led coalition as they prepare for a new phase to retake the city of Raqqa from the Islamic State (IS), SDF spokesperson said on Tuesday.

"We got eight improved armored vehicles, and this is a sign of more support by the new US administration," the SDF spokesperson Talal Silo told Kurdistan24.

 Silo said the delivery of the vehicles indicated a significant step by the US policy that will boost more support for the SDF in their fight against IS.

"This is a promising start. We hope to get more heavy and improved weapons," he said.

Silo further pointed out that there were many promises by the previous US administration to send heavy and improved weapons to the SDF, but he said their forces received only light weaponry.

On the American side, a Pentagon spokesperson said the vehicles had been delivered to the Arab group of the SDF.

"The Department of Defense only provides training and material support to the Syrian Arab Coalition," Major Adrian J.T. Rankine-Galloway said in a statement.

On Nov. 5, 2016, the SDF launched a comprehensive operation, dubbed "Wrath of the Euphrates," with the ultimate aim of capturing Raqqa.

The first two phases ended by liberating areas to the north and west of Raqqa, part of a strategy to encircle the city.

On Dec. 10, 2016, the SDF launched the second phase of the operation from the village of Qadiriya in northern Raqqa and reached the Euphrates Dam last week.

Editing by Ava Homa