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| US-backed Syrian forces announce new phase in battle to retake Raqqa from Isis | US-backed Syrian forces announce new phase in battle to retake Raqqa from Isis |
| (about 7 hours later) | |
| The Syrian Democratic Forces, backed by the US, have declared a new offensive to capture Raqqa from Isis, according to Reuters. | The Syrian Democratic Forces, backed by the US, have declared a new offensive to capture Raqqa from Isis, according to Reuters. |
| The city has become the de-facto capital of the extremist group. | The city has become the de-facto capital of the extremist group. |
| The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said in a statement the action was being undertaken with “increasing support from the (US-led) international coalition forces through guaranteeing air cover for our forces’ advances, or via the help provided by their special teams to our forces on the battle ground”. | |
| The SDF are attempting to encircle the city and cut off supply lines to Isis. | The SDF are attempting to encircle the city and cut off supply lines to Isis. |
| US President Donald Trump reportedly scrapped existing plans for recapturing Raqqa, drawn up by the Obama administration, earlier this week. | US President Donald Trump reportedly scrapped existing plans for recapturing Raqqa, drawn up by the Obama administration, earlier this week. |
| It is unknown if the offensive has been influenced by the change in White House policy. | It is unknown if the offensive has been influenced by the change in White House policy. |
| The city was captured by Isis in 2014 and is their last major urban stronghold in Syria. | The city was captured by Isis in 2014 and is their last major urban stronghold in Syria. |
| A confrontation has been drawing closer in recent weeks, with nearby fighting becoming more frequent as the SDF have been closing in. | A confrontation has been drawing closer in recent weeks, with nearby fighting becoming more frequent as the SDF have been closing in. |
| In addition, US-led coalition aircraft destroyed the main water pipeline supplying the city, as well as two bridges, though the water supply was later repaired by Isis. | |
| The SDF offensive began in November 2016, and a month later the US announced it would be sending 200 additional troops to support the fight. | The SDF offensive began in November 2016, and a month later the US announced it would be sending 200 additional troops to support the fight. |