All-out campaign announced to retake Raqqa

Catherine Hardy

 

 

RAQQA: -- The US-backed ‘Syrian Democratic Forces’ (SDF) have are planning a campaign to retake the city of Raqqa, the stronghold of the ISIL militants in Syria.

 

The coalition of Kurdish and ethnic Arab militias has been gaining ground north of the city.

 

Raqqa was proclaimed the de-facto capital of the “caliphate” proclaimed by ISIL in 2014.

 

When will the operation start?

 

In hours, sources say.

 

Civilians have been warned to stay away from areas held by ISIL militants.
 

What support will there be?
 

The SDF say they will be aided by US-led coalition air strikes.

 

Turkey, Syria’s closest northern neighbour, is not expected to take part.

 

Ankara considers the YPG a terrorist organisation and says it will not accept a role for the Kurds in the liberation of Raqqa.

 

Why are they doing this?

 

The SDF commanders say the goal of the operation called ‘Angry Euphrates’ is to liberate Raqqa from the militants.

 

Who is in the SDF alliance?
 

The US-backed alliance was formed last year to fight ISIL.

 

The Syrian YPG Kurdish force – one of the most powerful militias in Syria – is regarded as its backbone.

 

It is dominated by the Kurdish Popular Protection Units (YPG) militia.

 

It has emerged as a key ally of the US-led coalition in northern Syria over the last two years.

 

 

-- © Copyright Euronews 2016-11-07

Absolutely ridiculous for the west to support such an operation. A blatant attempt to undermine the efforts of the Syrian and Russian governments to bring this conflict to an end. And Syria back under control as one sovereign nation.

Let's hope coalition aircraft don't get involved in airstrikes over Raqqa. Coalition and Russian aircraft in such close proximity is just what may start a major global conflict between the west and Russia. Better left to the professionals. Stupid USA foreign policy at its finest. 

Edited November 6, 20169 yr by coma

2 hours ago, coma said:

Absolutely ridiculous for the west to support such an operation. A blatant attempt to undermine the efforts of the Syrian and Russian governments to bring this conflict to an end. And Syria back under control as one sovereign nation.

Let's hope coalition aircraft don't get involved in airstrikes over Raqqa. Coalition and Russian aircraft in such close proximity is just what may start a major global conflict between the west and Russia. Better left to the professionals. Stupid USA foreign policy at its finest. 

The Syrian and Russian forces have been bombing for years.  With little progress other than killing innocent civilians.  Perhaps time for a change.

 

P.S. It is a global coalition in Iraq, but you seen to only criticize the US.  Hmmm....

An example of Syria and Russia's efforts:

 

Great job!

4 hours ago, coma said:

Absolutely ridiculous for the west to support such an operation. A blatant attempt to undermine the efforts of the Syrian and Russian governments to bring this conflict to an end. And Syria back under control as one sovereign nation.

Let's hope coalition aircraft don't get involved in airstrikes over Raqqa. Coalition and Russian aircraft in such close proximity is just what may start a major global conflict between the west and Russia. Better left to the professionals. Stupid USA foreign policy at its finest. 

 

Raqqa has been attacked by US coalition air strikes for months. Hopefully the ground attack will be more cautious of civilian casualties than previous assaults by Syrian forces elsewhere, especially Assad's Syrian militia forces who are well known for their extreme cruelty.