US-backed Forces Capture '90 Percent' of Raqqa

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Wednesday, September 20, that US-backed Syrian forces have succeeded in taking 90 percent of Raqqa, the main stronghold of the Islamic State (ISIS), from ISIS control. ISIS forces have been besieged in Raqqa by the Syrian Democratic Forces, comprising US-supported Kurdish and Arab fighters, for the past three months, and their positions have been bombed by coalition aircraft. According to AFP, Rami Abdulrahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, stated on Wednesday that 'due to heavy coalition airstrikes, ISIS has been forced to retreat from at least five important neighborhoods in Raqqa over the past 48 hours.' He noted that this has allowed the Syrian Democratic Forces to now control 90 percent of the city. The report indicates that ISIS fighters have abandoned silos and grain warehouses, leaving northern Raqqa and currently establishing themselves in the city center, in administrative buildings, sports facilities, and tunnels. The Syrian Democratic Forces announced in a statement that they have recaptured northern Raqqa from ISIS in a 'surprise attack' and that their operations in the area have entered their final stages. Raqqa is also witnessing advances from the Syrian government forces in the south, which are supported by Russian airpower and Iranian-affiliated militias. ISIS captured Raqqa in early 2014 and has since effectively made it the capital of its caliphate in Syria. During this time, numerous reports of severe violence by ISIS against Raqqa residents and public beheadings have emerged. Raqqa is also said to be a location where plans for terrorist attacks against residents of other countries are organized.