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Turkey-backed FSA forces to join Raqqa offensive due to U.S. pressure

(Zaman Al Wasl)- Turkey has informed the Free Syrian army groups which fought under Euphrates Shield banner to be ready for Raqqa battle despite the suspension of the military operation by Turkish National Security Council on Wednesday, FSA commander told Zaman al-Wasl Saturday.

Former Syrian army Colonel and senior commander in Euphrates Shield Haytham al- Afisi said the Turkish stance had changed due to heavy pressure by Washington and its CIA officials.

The U.S-planned offensive to liberate Raqqa from ISIS is scheduled to begin on April 16. The Kurdish-led forces with full aerial cover by U.S. have uprooted ISIS from large swathes west of Raqqa reaching the banks of Euphrates River.

About 6,000 FSA fighters to join Raqqa battles, al-Afisi said.

Operation Euphrates Shield, which was launched last August “has been concluded successfully”,  the Turkish statement said.

Turkey had been carrying out a military operation in northern Syria. Led by Free Syrian Army fighters, the operation aimed to improve security, support coalition forces and eliminate the terror threat along the Turkish border.

The fundamental discord between Ankara and Washington is the Kurds and their historical dream of an independent state in Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran. Such a dream to come true in Syria. A dream that turned into a nightmare to Turkey.

Turkey said it was able to expel ISIS from Raqqa, refusing any role for Kurdish militias such as YPG, the Syrian offshoot of the PKK, which has been listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the EU and the U.S..

But the YPG-led Syrian Democratic Forces has been Washington's principle partner in the anti-ISIS fight in northern Syria, vexing Ankara.

The task room of Raqqa offensive to be in Ankara, sources said.

The U.S. administration wants Turkey to eliminate Tahrir al-Sham, former al-Qaeda branch in Syria, from the border province of Idlib and not just collaborating in ISIS combat.

FSA sources said the CIA has urged the commanders of the moderate groups in form one unity otherwise no weapons and funds to be received.
 

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