45 percent of Raqqa under SDF control

Wrath of Euphrates Operation Room Spokesperson Cihan Sheikh Ehmed stated that they have gained control over 45 percent of the Raqqa city where 8 neighbourhoods have been liberated and utmost efforts are being made for the rescue of the civilians.

Wrath of Euphrates Operation Room Spokesperson Cihan Sheikh Ehmed has made a first press statement on the western front of Raqqa about the latest situation in operation launched by the YPG-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to liberate Raqqa from ISIS occupation in a campaign called 'Great Battle'.

The press statement was made on the roof of a four storied building in al-Sabahiyah neighbourhood on the 47th day of the campaign to the accompaniment of commanders leading the operation.

Cihan Sheikh Ehmed stated that the operations as part of the 'Great Battle' in the city are continuing successfully as SDF fighters have liberated 8 neighbourhoods and gained control over 45 percent of the city so far. Ehmed said clashes are ongoing in 6 neighbourhoods and it is a matter of time before 2 of these are liberated.

Our forces will liberate these neighbourhoods and continue their advance, she noted.

Remarking that the city remains under the siege of SDF forces on eastern, western, southern and northern fronts for 20 days and SDF continue their operations, Ehmed continued: “We have encircled Raqqa from four sides. We are conducting cleaning operations in each area we take under control. Our forces are continuing their progress by clearing the mines planted by the gangs with utmost caution. We have rescued thousands of civilians so far, which is indeed our main goal and we are doing anything we can to free the civilians.”

Ehmed pointed out that they are transferring the civilians to secure areas through the corridors they open up, stressing that Raqqa will be liberated entirely and handed over to its people in the soonest time.

Remarking that SDF forces are advancing upon ISIS gangs in a self-sacrificing manner, Ehmed noted that two Êzidî fighters of Shengal Women's Units (YBŞ) got injured whilst putting up a brave fight to rescue the Êzidî women held captive in the city