Reports indicate that US-backed Syrian militia forces have managed to seize the city of 'Tabqa' and a large dam from the control of the Islamic State group, ISIS. According to Reuters, the 'Syrian Democratic Forces', composed of Arab militias and Kurdish forces, have captured the city of Tabqa located 40 kilometers west of Raqqa after two weeks of fighting. The report adds that the 'Syrian Democratic Forces' continue their advance towards Raqqa, the center of the Islamic State's 'caliphate' in Syria, with air support from the US-led coalition. Talal Silo, spokesperson for the 'Syrian Democratic Forces', stated that the city of Tabqa was liberated through the sacrifices of the 'Syrian Democratic Forces' and the unlimited support of the US-led international coalition. Officials from the 'Syrian Democratic Forces' claim that the city of Tabqa and the dam are now completely out of the control of the Islamic State group. Reuters notes that the operation to advance towards Raqqa faced resistance from Islamic State forces near Tabqa, prompting the Syrian militias to besiege the city. The 'Syrian Democratic Forces' entered the city two weeks ago. While the 'Syrian Democratic Forces' have managed to liberate Tabqa, the US government announced yesterday that it intends to arm the 'People's Protection Units' (YPG). The YPG is an armed group of Syrian Kurds that is part of the 'Syrian Democratic Forces' fighting against the Islamic State to retake Raqqa. According to Reuters, the US stated that the purpose of supplying weapons to this Kurdish group is to 'accelerate the defeat of terrorism' in Raqqa. This news has triggered a reaction from Turkey. Nurettin Canikli, Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister, called the military weapon shipments from the US to Kurdish forces in northern Syria 'unacceptable' and expressed hope that the US would end its support for Kurdish militias. In this context, the Trump administration's agreement to send weapons to predominantly Kurdish militias in Syria is being closely examined alongside Russia's plan for safe zones in Syria.
US-backed forces in Syria capture Tabqa city by pushing back ISIS
US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces have captured the city of Tabqa from ISIS after two weeks of fighting, with US air support. The US plans to arm Kurdish forces to expedite the defeat of terrorism in Raqqa, which has drawn criticism from Turkey.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
US-backed Syrian militia forces have captured the city of Tabqa from ISIS after two weeks of fighting, with continued advances towards Raqqa. The US plans to arm Kurdish forces to expedite the defeat of ISIS, which has drawn criticism from Turkey.
- Tabqa is strategically located 40 kilometers west of Raqqa, the center of ISIS's operations.
- The US plans to supply weapons to the Kurdish YPG, part of the SDF, to enhance their capabilities against ISIS.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The Syrian conflict has seen various factions vying for control, with the US supporting the SDF in their fight against ISIS. The Kurdish YPG has been a key player in this coalition.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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Translation confidence: 85%