Raqqa Operation: Two more villages liberated

Syrian Democratic Forces fighters cleared Raqqa’s Çiya and Bir Hamad villages of ISIS gangs.

Syrian Democratic Forces fighters advancing in the Operation Wrath of Euphrates are ever closer to Raqqa.

Following violent clashes since yesterday, the Bir Hamad village 1 km to the Freedom Dam has been completely cleared of gangs.

In Hamrat Nasir town on the eastern front in Raqqa, clashes continue.

ISIS gangs attempted to attack the liberated Sahlabiya village with a bomb-laden vehicle. The vehicle was noticed early by the SDF fighters and destroyed before it reached its target. ISIS gangs also attempted to attack Çiya village with a bomb-laden vehicle within the same hour, but the vehicle was destroyed by the SDF before it got to the village.

In liberated East and West Sahlabiya, Bir Hamad and Çiya villages, SDF fighters launched search and minesweeping efforts. In the searches, 8 Kalashnikovs and 8 gang member bodies, 2 12.5 mm DHSKs, a RPG (B-7) Propeller, 3 motorcycles, 1 pistol, 2 120 mm mortars and many mortar shells, 1 Turkish army LAW, 2 vests and 2 suicide vests were seized by the fighters.

In Çiya village, 13 gang members’ bodies, 7 Kalashnikovs, 5 rocket launchers, 1 pair of binoculars and 1 SPG-9 gun were seized.

In violent clashes over one full day and night, 2 fighters in the Operation Wrath of Euphrates were martyred.

At least 21 gang members were killed in the clashes.