As U.S.-backed forces in Syria inch their way through Raqqa, once the Islamic State’s de facto capital and staunchest stronghold, their battle has become one of grinding attrition, and the toughest they have faced to date.
At times they are fighting house-to-house, battling suicide attacks in narrow streets as they wait to see if the militants will send more bombs among fleeing civilians.
“The battle for Raqqa is completely different to anything we have fought before. ISIS is defending its capital now,” said Mustafa Bali, a spokesman for the Kurdish-dominated militia — known as the Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF — that Washington has backed to retake swaths of Syria controlled by the Islamic State.
You've reached your daily free article limit.
Subscribe and support our veteran writing staff to continue reading.
As U.S.-backed forces in Syria inch their way through Raqqa, once the Islamic State’s de facto capital and staunchest stronghold, their battle has become one of grinding attrition, and the toughest they have faced to date.
At times they are fighting house-to-house, battling suicide attacks in narrow streets as they wait to see if the militants will send more bombs among fleeing civilians.
“The battle for Raqqa is completely different to anything we have fought before. ISIS is defending its capital now,” said Mustafa Bali, a spokesman for the Kurdish-dominated militia — known as the Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF — that Washington has backed to retake swaths of Syria controlled by the Islamic State.
Previous offensives have ended when the militants retreated, apparently deciding to conserve manpower ahead of more consequential battles. This time, Bali said, there would be no escape.
“Raqqa is completely surrounded,” he said. “They are fighting to the death.”
Read the whole story from The Washington Post.
Gear Up for the Mission: Traser Watch Giveaway
2024 Holiday Gift Guide for Real Men Picked by Special Ops & Military Guys. Women, You Can Thank Us Later
US Navy Bolsters Defense with Latest Raytheon, Lockheed Contracts
SUV-Sized Drones Stalking New Jersey Skies—Who is Watching Us?
SOFREP Daily: US Senator Urges Action on Mystery Drones, IS Bomb Kills Afghan Refugee Minister, Russia Targets Ukraine’s Power Grid in Massive Strike
Join SOFREP for insider access and analysis.
TRY 14 DAYS FREEAlready a subscriber? Log In
COMMENTS
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.