Raqqa battle: Kurdish-led forces launch new phase against IS

RAQQA, Syria (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Saturday announced the launch of the third phase of the US-backed operation to retake the city of Raqqa from the Islamic State (IS).

In a press conference held at a military base in the Shab Dagh village north of Raqqa, the SDF command announced the start of Phase III of the battle to liberate the areas east of the city.

The previous two phases ended with the liberation of areas north and west of Raqqa, part of a strategy to encircle the city.

SDF spokesperson Talal Silo and Jihan Sheikh Ahmad, the spokesperson of the Raqqa offensive, said more Arab and Christian groups recently joined the new stage of the operation.

Regarding the US’ support, Silo said about 3,000 SDF fighters had received training by American forces and military experts.

Additionally, Silo pointed out the US-led coalition equipped their fighters with improved weaponry and armored vehicles.

“Part of this support is thanks to the Arab Coalition which is an essential part of our forces [SDF],” he said.

Silo added the purpose of the new phase was liberating the eastern rural areas of the city and encircling it.

“The ultimate end of our operation is liberating our people from the terrorist organizations and their atrocities against the civilians,” he stated.

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

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 Karzan Sulaivany