Syrian Kurds Cut Raqqa-Deir ez-Zor Supply Route

U.S.-backed forces in Syria have managed to cut the main road from Raqqa to Deir ez-Zor in the fight against ISIS. According to the Associated Press, Syrian Kurds, on Monday, March 6, with air support from the U.S.-led coalition, succeeded in blocking the supply route from Raqqa to Deir ez-Zor. Despite the closure of this main supply route, ISIS forces still dominate the southern regions of Raqqa and can move through secondary roads and desert areas between the two cities. U.S.-backed Kurdish forces have been conducting operations against ISIS since November 2016 with air support from the U.S. coalition. The coalition known as the 'Syrian Democratic Forces,' supported by the U.S., began the third phase of the 'Euphrates Rage' operation last month, aiming to capture villages and towns around Raqqa. According to Talal Silo, spokesperson for the Syrian Democratic Forces, despite cutting off ISIS's main supply route, it is still too early to talk about besieging Raqqa, as ISIS still controls the west and south of the city. Reports indicate that the Syrian Democratic Forces have reached eight kilometers north of Raqqa. The Associated Press has reported that in addition to air support from the Syrian Democratic Forces, 500 U.S. special forces are also present in the area. The U.S. Department of Defense states that these forces are only acting as military advisors. U.S. support for the Syrian Democratic Forces is closely monitored by Turkey. From Turkey's perspective, the majority of this coalition consists of the Kurdish People's Protection Units, which are considered a branch of the PKK. Turkey has strongly opposed the operations of the Syrian Democratic Forces coalition and has threatened to push these forces back from the city of Manbij in northern Syria. This move could seriously disrupt the operation to retake Raqqa from ISIS. Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Işık recently stated that Turkey's priority is the withdrawal of Kurdish forces from the Democratic Union Party and PKK from the city of Manbij in Syria. The Turkish Defense Minister expressed hope that the U.S. would adhere to its promise to withdraw these forces from Manbij.