Retaking Raqqa from the Islamic State

Summary

THE battle for Raqqa, the Islamic State’s self-declared capital in Syria, has begun. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) is advancing toward the city, engaging the jihadist group in the villages of al-Hisha, Tal Samen and Mutamshirij along the way. Because of Raqqa’s strategic importance, the Islamic State will do everything in its power to keep the city within its grasp. Driving the militants from their stronghold will not be easy or cheap, but if the SDF is successful, it will greatly accelerate the Islamic State’s defeat in Syria.