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Forums - Politics Discussion - Up: city possibly liberated - Syrian Democratic Forces launch assault on Islamic State's 'capital' in Syria

RAQQA – The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) General Command announced the beginning of the ‘Great War’ for the liberation of Raqqa.

The historical statement that was expected was read by Talal Silo, the commander of the SDF.

Representatives of SDF commanders, representatives of the Raqqa Civilian Council and Co-President Leyla Mustefa and regional tribes were also present in the press statement in Hezîma village north of Raqqa

On behalf of the General Command of SDF, the historical statement of the SDF commander Talal Silo, was announced to the world with the following words:

“After a long struggle, our forces and the forces carrying out a joint struggle against terrorists have marked in history their legends of heroism. From the historical resistance of Kobanê to the liberation of Girê Spî, Hol and Shaddadi, to the villages of Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa, and to the dams in these regions, many historic steps have been taken from the liberation of the people in these regions from the terrorists and the fulfillment of their vital needs within existing resources.

Today, in the name of the Operations Room Wrath of Euphrates Command, we announce today that we have launched the “Great War” for the liberation of the city of Raqqa, where the gangs have made the capital of terror and terrorism. The great war will begin with the participation of the Army of Revolutionaries (Jaysh al-Thuwar), Jabhat al-Akrad, Democratic al-Shamal Brigades, Tribal Forces, Maghawir Humus Brigades, Siqur al-Raqqa, Liwa al-Tahrir, Seljuk Turkmen Brigade, Hamam Turkmen Martyrs Battalion, Sanadid Forces, Syriac Military Council, Manbij Military Council, Deir ez-Zor Military Council, Self-Defense Forces, Asayish Forces, YPG/YPJ and Nuxbe Forces. This battle is taking place with the help of the Raqqa Civilian Council, the Syrian Democratic Council (MSD), the tribal opinion leaders in the region, and also with the help of our people in the region.

We announce the good news of the start of the Great War which aims to liberate Raqqa city, and we declare that our forces are ready for the fight with high morale and great preparations. We state that the battle plan which has been discussed with our partners on the ground, the International Coalition, is ready to be implemented. As seen in the attacks against Karachok, many forces have made intensive efforts to prevent this historic campaign, but this attack and futile efforts have all been wasted. Contrary to what these opposing efforts and attacks aim at, we have strengthened our will, further knowing our hatred against terrorism and increased our struggle will against it. In this sense, each Karachok martyr has become a torch illuminating our way. Staying attached to the memories of the Karachok martyrs, we will conclude this great battle successfully and present this historic victory to the souls of our martyrs.

Once again, we call on our people in Raqqa to stay away from the enemy’s centers, vulnerable spots and conflict areas. We call on our people to gather around our forces and help them so that they can fulfill their duties. We are also urging the youth of Raqqa to continue their involvement in our forces to liberate the lands they live in.

In this historic day, we respect our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for us to arrive to the stage where we are now, and we wish our heroes a quick healing process. Once again in the name of the Operations Room Wrath of Euphrates, we salute the fighters and commanders of all the forces and groups involved in the Great War. We also express our thanks to the International Coalition Forces.

We also greet our people of all sects and religions who resist the terrorists, and the press workers who shares the developments in the war zone with the public and is with our forces for live footage.”

http://en.hawarnews.com/great-war-for-the-liberation-of-raqqa-begins/

Map of the situation arround Raqqa as of June 9th:



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Wish them all the best. Sucks for the civilians though.



If you demand respect or gratitude for your volunteer work, you're doing volunteering wrong.

I thought they moved their capital to Mayadin, or was that just a rumour?



vivster said:
Wish them all the best. Sucks for the civilians though.

Yeah, that's the worst part, I can't even imagine being in a situation like that.



Unconfirmed reports that the SDF has already entered the city in the South-East and West

Leadified said:
I thought they moved their capital to Mayadin, or was that just a rumour?

Yeah, according to some unnamed US defense officials. But even then unless I'm completely missing some city here Raqqa is by far the largest and most important city they still hold. Besides Raqqa and parts of Mosul and Deir ez-Zor I don't think they hold anything big.



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poklane said:
Leadified said:
I thought they moved their capital to Mayadin, or was that just a rumour?

Yeah, according to some unnamed US defense officials. But even then unless I'm completely missing some city here Raqqa is by far the largest and most important city they still hold. Besides Raqqa and parts of Mosul and Deir ez-Zor I don't think they hold anything big.

Ah, ok. Thanks!



Syrian DEMOCRATIC Forces? What a stupid name for a militia...

The name sounds like a typical US propaganda name - am I correct in assuming that this group is heavily "supported" by the US/"the west"?



ArnoldRimmer said:
Syrian DEMOCRATIC Forces? What a stupid name for a militia...

The name sounds like a typical US propaganda name - am I correct in assuming that this group is heavily "supported" by the US/"the west"?

Yes

and before you ask, no, this faction does NOT fight the Syrian government. The SDF is pretty much neutral to all parties except ISIS.



UNCONFIRMED, TAKE WITH A HUGE GRAIN OF SALT - Aircraft from unidentified party bombed SDF in Harqalah west of Raqqa

Same person behind this Twitter account claimed someone bombed SDF positions in the village of Abu Asi about 60 kilometers west.

If these bombings are true someone has A LOT of explaining to do.



Yesterday's and today's progress:

  • 17th division military base liberated (north of the city). Source
  • The first neighbourhood (Al-Mushlab) has been liberated in the eastern part of the city. Source
  • SDF forces enter Sabahiya district in the western part of the city. Source
  • Al Jazrah and Al Jazrah water treatment station liberated west of the city. Source