(Zaman Al Wasl)- ISIS has fortified its self-proclaimed capital of Raqqa as Kurdish-led forces backed by US airstrikes have been advancing in the northern and western countryside, activists said Thursday.
More shields have been installed, landmines have been planted and suicide bombers are ready to defend Raqqa, according to pro-ISIS social media accounts and local monitoring group.
Mohamed Saleh, spokesman for Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently campaign that tracks ISIS atrocities, said ISIS fighters have dug trenches around the city and in tiny territory its controls in the northern countryside.
ISIS is aware of the imminent war inside the city, so many steps had been taken by the radical group in prepare for guerrilla war.
Meanwhile, 35 families fled Raqqa have arrived to small camp near the PYD-held town of Ayn Issa amid lack of basic needs.
The U.S.-backed SDF alliance started a new phase of its campaign against Raqqa two weeks ago, aiming to complete its encirclement and sever the road to militant strongholds in Deir al-Zor province.
The SDF, which includes the powerful Kurdish YPG militia, launched its multi-phased campaign aimed at encircling and ultimately capturing Raqqa in November.
Several hundred U.S. special forces soldiers have been supporting SDF operations against Islamic State in northern Syria. France said in June that its special forces were advising rebels in the same area.
This is the third phase of the Raqqa operation. The first phase targeted areas north of Raqqa city. The second phase, targeting areas to the west of the city, is ongoing, with SDF forces yet to capture the Islamic State-held Euphrates dam.
More shields have been installed, landmines have been planted and suicide bombers are ready to defend Raqqa, according to pro-ISIS social media accounts and local monitoring group.
Mohamed Saleh, spokesman for Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently campaign that tracks ISIS atrocities, said ISIS fighters have dug trenches around the city and in tiny territory its controls in the northern countryside.
ISIS is aware of the imminent war inside the city, so many steps had been taken by the radical group in prepare for guerrilla war.
Meanwhile, 35 families fled Raqqa have arrived to small camp near the PYD-held town of Ayn Issa amid lack of basic needs.
The U.S.-backed SDF alliance started a new phase of its campaign against Raqqa two weeks ago, aiming to complete its encirclement and sever the road to militant strongholds in Deir al-Zor province.
The SDF, which includes the powerful Kurdish YPG militia, launched its multi-phased campaign aimed at encircling and ultimately capturing Raqqa in November.
Several hundred U.S. special forces soldiers have been supporting SDF operations against Islamic State in northern Syria. France said in June that its special forces were advising rebels in the same area.
This is the third phase of the Raqqa operation. The first phase targeted areas north of Raqqa city. The second phase, targeting areas to the west of the city, is ongoing, with SDF forces yet to capture the Islamic State-held Euphrates dam.
Comments About This Article
Please fill the fields below.