‘Significant resistance’ from IS in Raqqa as SDF advances

RAQQA, Syria (Kurdistan24) – Islamic State (IS) insurgents continue to resist a US-backed Kurdish-led offensive in their efforts to hold on to Raqqa, their last remaining stronghold in Syria.

According to Colonel Ryan Dillon, the spokesman of the US Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, IS’ resistance was increasing.

“In the first two weeks, there was significant progress—very quick progress that was made,” he said referring to the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

“The SDF in the advance have since hit some significant resistance from [IS],” he continued.

“We are starting to see some of these, you know, better-emplaced defenses as we have gotten to the places where we have advanced to in the campaign in and around Raqqa,” Dillon added.

The SDF are currently in the third week of an offensive to remove the militant group from Raqqa, a victory that would end IS’ grip in the region.

Dillon revealed the Kurdish-led forces had taken 45 square kilometers of territory from IS in Raqqa and its surrounding areas this past week.

“The SDF continues to fight, along with three axes, toward the center of Raqqa against substantial [IS] resistance,” he explained.

Regarding the control of Raqqa and other liberated areas after IS’ defeat, Dillon said the US is “consistently pushing toward local governance.”

According to US State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert, the Syrian people would choose who governs them.

“The United States will never determine who will take control or take charge in terms of its government,” she stated. “That will be up for the Syrian people to decide.”