The Syria Democratic Forces (SDF) will be aided by US-led coalition air strikes.
They have also warned civilians to steer clear of areas where IS militants are present.
The coalition of Kurdish and ethnic Arab militias has been gaining ground in areas to the north of the city.
You've reached your daily free article limit.
Subscribe and support our veteran writing staff to continue reading.
The Syria Democratic Forces (SDF) will be aided by US-led coalition air strikes.
They have also warned civilians to steer clear of areas where IS militants are present.
The coalition of Kurdish and ethnic Arab militias has been gaining ground in areas to the north of the city.
The offensive was announced at a press conference in Ain Issa, about 50 kilometres (30 miles) away from Raqqa.
“The major battle to liberate Raqa and its surroundings has begun,” a spokesperson for the SDF said.
An official in Washington also confirmed the start of the operation, saying forces would first attempt “to isolate Raqqa, to set the stage for an eventual assault on the city itself to liberate it.”
Read More- BBC
Image courtesy of Reuters
Leadership Under Fire: Recent Dismissals of Two High-Ranking Military Commanders
The Space National Guard: Will It Become a Reality Under Trump?
Taleghan 2 Obliterated: How Israel is Thwarting Iran’s Homegrown Nuclear Threat
How The Air Force Plans to Fly F-22s Into 2060s
F-35 Pilots Describe Aircraft, Weapons, Electronics & Computing
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.