ISIS terrorists have conducted a series of attacks against the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the southern and northern parts of Raqqah city.
According to the ISIS-linked news agency Amaq, a suicide vehicle Borne improvised explosive device attack killed at least 15 SDF members and injured few others in near a mosque southeast of the Old Raqqah area.
Local sources reported an intesnse fighting between the SDF and ISIS in Old Raqqah and in the 17th Division Base area. According to reports, ISIS allegedy pushed the SDF to retreat from the “clock square” in Old Raqqah and entered the village of Asadiyah north of the 17th Division Base.
The fighting is ongoing amid an intense artillery and air bombardmend of the ISIS-held areas by the US-led coalition.
Pro-Kurdish sources deny any retreats under the ISIS pressure inside Raqqah city. According to them, the SDF is in control of about 60% of Raqqah, including 65% of the Old Raqqah area. However, a lack of videos and photos from the allegedly liberated areas fuel suggestions that at least a part of the ISIS reports is true. The 17th Division Base is one of the areas where the situation remains unclear.
There are no doubts that the SDF, supported by the US-led coalition, will be able to take a full control over the city sooner or later. However, the observed lack of progress inside Raqqah may indicate that the operation may repeat the battle for Mosul that lasted much longer than the Pentagon and the Iraqi military had expected.
The map below provides a sceptical look at the SDF progress in Raqqah city:
Click to see the full-size image
