The General Command of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) released a statement informing about the latest situation in the operation to liberate Raqqa, dubbed the ‘Great Battle’.

The statement by SDF General Command is as follows;

“During the past 5 days, our forces have targeted the fortresses formed by ISIS gangs north of Raqqa and launched an operation, which is a first on this front. ISIS gangs had estimated that they would be able to defend this front as it extends along a wide field with various structures, and houses basic locations such as the grain silos, mill and the 17th Brigade, a military headquarters.

ISIS has lines of defense in the mentioned region where they heavily planted explosives and mines. Apart from these, ISIS moved a large number of civilians to this region, thinking that our forces would not launch an offensive on this territory. Our operation started swiftly and achieved major results in a short while.

Our forces have managed to pass the Sugar Factory, ISIS bases north of the city and the mines laid by the gangs. During a fresh military maneuver, our forces liberated the 17th Brigade and the grain silos of Raqqa city, and secured the surroundings of the 17th Brigade. While ISIS gangs have lost control over this region and their remaining forces have dispersed, our forces continued their advance and chased up the fleeing gangs.

SDF fighters have liberated the Tishrin, Rimela and Rawda neighborhoods as well as the mill from ISIS. Several ISIS members were killed during clashes in this area. During the offensive that lasted 5 days, our forces and special units have rescued hundreds of civilians and transferred them to safe areas. Our fighters also seized some ammunition warehouses of the gangs.

With the liberation of the mentioned areas, our forces have taken 80% of the Raqqa city under their control, and are now running operations to clear the mines planted by the gangs in the battle zones. The gangs are using thousands of civilians as human shields and violating all the values of humanity.

As SDF General Command, we plan to realize a military legend in the liberation of Raqqa mobilising the northern front of Raqqa with minimum harm. We are nearing the end in the Operation Wrath of Euphrates, in which the biggest terror organization in Syria is getting defeated. We emphasise that we will be after the terrorist remnants until the end.”