US-backed Kurdish Forces Move Toward Raqqa

On May 24th,  a large regiment of Kurdish militia, backed by U.S. airstrikes, began an offensive towards the Syrian city of Raqqa. Proclaimed by Islamic State as their chief and capital city in northeastern Syria, Raqqa is the most strategic base for all IS operations since its capture in 2014.

The offensive is supported by a coalition of Arab militia and Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), known as the Syrian Democratic Forces. (SDF). Alongside the SDF, members of the larger US –led anti-IS coalition ,”Operation Inherent Resolve,” are going to participating in the offensive.

US Colonel Steve Warren claims that the coalition expects to put pressure on IS forces in the region by  advancing on nearby villages. Other US officials state that recapturing the city is not within in the capacity of the SDF.

During the Tuesday announcement regarding the operation, SDF claimed to have mobilized 50,000 troops for the assault, which is at least five times what US military strategists had suggested was required. Colonel Warren also estimated that between 3,000 and 5,000 IS troops were located inside the city.

Backed by US airstrikes, it appears that SDF forces, especially if unified with those from Operation Inherent Resolve, have the capacity to reclaim the city.

Despite US military doubts, the coalition seeks the larger goal of liberating Raqqa, while some of its forces may seek to claim it in their own name. YPG, in particular has stated they have interests in incorporating Raqqa into Kurdish territory.

A week prior to the decision to attack Raqqa, US air force dropped leaflets into the city urging civilians to leave before shelling began. According to those who have family in the country, “half of them [Raqqa residents] have escaped, while the other half are afraid,” and it is likely those who have not fled will become victims of the offensive push.

The Washington Post reported that there have been signs in recent days of a growing panic amid Islamic State ranks as indications of a Raqqa offensive began to mount. The pressure has reportedly led the jihadist group to lift restrictions on travel out of the city.

The SDF coalition is not the only US-supported group to strike IS strongholds. On May 22nd, Iraqi forces also began an offensive on the longtime Sunni jihadist stronghold of Fallujah, roughly forty miles outside of Baghdad.

Both of the offensive pushes took place after General Joseph Votel, commanding general of U.S Central Command, completed a secret trip to Northern Syria on May 21st. The trip was only several hours long, but the locations of his visit were not disclosed.

CNN reported that the main purpose for Votel’s visit was to meet with local forces preparing to fight IS. His visit also coincides the first arrival of around 200 additional US special operations forces, which are beginning to arrive in Syria.

Between the offensives in both Raqqa and Fallujah, US-led forces appear unified in their attacks against the heart of Islamic State and their desire to remove the group from power in key cities. Yet, the futures of these liberated cities may prove more difficult to determine than the offensives to take them.