US-backed SDF forces enter Raqqah from western battle front

The so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have entered the western regions of Daesh’s last stronghold in Syria, Raqqah, says a UK-based monitoring group.

"The SDF captured the western half of the al-Sabahiya neighborhood and are reinforcing their positions there," said Observatory Head Rami Abdel Rahman.

"They then advanced north to the adjacent district of al-Romaniya and are fighting Daesh," he added.

The SDF has also confirmed that it has entered the city and is engaged in “fierce fighting” in Romaniya.

"Daesh has reinforced the northern approach to Raqqah much more, thinking that's how the SDF would try to advance on the city…The western and eastern entrances to the city were much less fortified," noted Rahman.

The SDF is led by the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) which Ankara views as a terrorist organization over its alleged links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

Daesh seized Raqqah in 2014, the same year when it started its campaign of terror in Syria. It then proceeded to capture large swathes of Syrian territory.

Meanwhile, the Syrian army has announced that it has gained control of a vast territory in southeastern Syria, reaching the border "with friendly Iraq." 

"This achievement is a strategic turning point in the war on terrorism and a springboard to expand military operations in the Badiya [region in southeast Syria] and along the border with the friendly Iraq," said a statement released from the army's general command.

ME