FILE IMAGE
The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) claimed that they have liberated 75% of the Abbasi wall that surrounds the strategic Old Raqqa area in the Syrian city of Raqqa. The SDF allegedly killed 36 ISIS fighters and destroyed a VBIED, and two ISIS vehicles during its advance.
SDF progressing inside ISIS held neighbourhoods in westenside of Raqqa. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/2bNCN8cJZ2
— Carl (@carlste_) 6 July 2017
In the southeastern Raqqa countryside, the SDF has captured the village of Qusra Mohammed Agha on the west bank of the Euphrates River. It continued advancing in the direction of the Raqqa-Deir Ezzor road in what appears to be an attempt to prevent the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) from reaching the road and a breach of the previous SDF pledge to stay on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River.
From its side, ISIS claimed that 3 SDF fighters were killed and 7 others were wounded in the Al-Qadisiya Roundabout, the Al-Barazi Roundabout and the youth housing in Raqqa city.
According to opposition sources, US-led coalition warplanes carried out more than 9 airstrikes so far, which led to the death of a family of five.
Moreover, a video showing the US Stryker APC inside Raqqa City has been published, confirming that the US Special Forces are directly involved in the battle of Raqqa supporting the SDF.
US Stryker & Humvees arrive to Raqqa city as reinforcements alongside SDF reinforcements. pic.twitter.com/Kr8dh1IIPH
— Afarin Mamosta (@AfarinMamosta) 7 July 2017
The advance within the old city, despite some Elite forces fleeing the fights, is going really well. It almost looks like IS had no real defensive lines within the old city.
Still, 75% of the walls, if correct, does not mean 75% of the old city.
However, were SDF to be able to take the old city, it would take the heart out of IS defensive lines and SDF would always be in the back of whatever IS defensive line within Raqqah.
At the same time, SDF forces are heading eastward south of the city. Maybe soon the new capital of IS will also be under assault.
Contrary to what some trolls on this site are saying, SDF forces are doing well and show themselves to be a capable fighting force.
I thought they gave Strykers to YPG, which means it does NOT confirm US is in Raqqa.
The Stryker is high tech equipment. I doubt they would give it to the kurds or train them to crew it.
The first strykers were already given to the kurds some moths ago. Given the US propensity for not bringing its own forces in direct combat situations, one can assume SDF drivers were trained. Maybe not up to the level of a proffessional army, but to the level of reasonably trained personnel.
A fight between two fake groups, the US created SDF and the US created ISIS. Well done. You have captured more territory for the US.
Grow up, dont fake your adolecence, just grow up and put your alu hat off ,-)