RAQQA, Syria, Nov. 6 (UPI) — U.S.-backed forces in Syria are warning civilians to steer clear as they begin work to capture Raqqa, the Islamic State‘s de facto capital.
The Kurdish and Arab force will be aided by U.S.-led coalition air strikes. The Syria Democratic Forces warned civilians to stay out of the area where IS militants are present, BBC reported.
The SDF, which has been gaining ground in the areas north of Raqqa, announced the operation Sunday at a press conference in Ain Issa, about 30 miles from the city.
A Washington official confirmed the start of the operation and said forces will first attempt “to isolate Raqqa, to set the stage for an eventual assault on the city itself to liberate it.”
“The major battle to liberate Raqqa and its surroundings has begun,” an SDF spokesperson said. That spokesperson said heavy resistance is expected. “IS will defend its bastion, knowing that the loss of Raqqa will mean it is finished in Syria.”
In a statement, SDF said it has established a join operations center for the military campaign known as “Euphrates Rage,” which includes multiple militia groups of Arab, Kurdish and Turkmen, CNN reported..
“We are starting an operation to liberate Raqqa from ISIS… the operation will be done with American aerial cover,” Brig. Gen. Talal Ali Selo, said Sunday. “[The operation] will start by taking Raqqa countryside and then the goal is the city.”
