Raqqa campaign (2016–2017)

Part of the Rojava–Islamist conflict in Syria

Not to be confused with Northern Raqqa offensive, Ithriyah-Raqqa offensive (June 2016), or Battle of Raqqa (2017).

Raqqa campaign (2016–2017)

Part of the Rojava–Islamist conflict and the American-led intervention in the Syrian Civil War

Top: A map of the SDF advances in the Raqqa Governorate
Bottom: A map of the SDF advances inside of Raqqa city itself
| Date| 6 November 2016 – 20 October 2017
(11 months and 2 weeks)[11]

|

Location|

Raqqa Governorate and northern Deir ez-Zor Governorate, Syria

35°57′00″N 39°00′36″E﻿ / ﻿35.9500°N 39.0100°E﻿ / 35.9500; 39.0100
Result|

Decisive SDF / CJTF-OIR victory

* The SDF captures more than 236 villages, hamlets and strategic hills, two water and power stations,[12][13] Tabqa Airbase,[14][15] Tabqa city, Tabqa Dam, and Baath Dam[16][17][18]
* The SDF comes within 5 km of the Islamic State's capital city of Raqqa, in early February 2017[19]
* The SDF enters Raqqa city on 6 June 2017, and completely captures it on 17 October 2017

Territorial
changes|  The SDF captures more than 7,400 square kilometres (2,900 sq mi) of territory from ISIL during the first, second and third phases of the campaign[20]
Belligerents

Syrian Democratic Forces
Self Defence Forces (HXP)[1]
Leftist/anarchist volunteers[a]
CJTF–OIR

* United States
* France[5]
* United Kingdom[6]
* Germany[7]

Iraqi Kurdistan[8]

* * *

Co-belligerents
Syrian Arab Republic[9]
Russia[10]|  Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
Commanders and leaders
Sipan Hemo
(YPG chief commander)[21]
Rojda Felat
(Leading YPJ commander)[22][23][24]
Kino Gabriel
(MFS commander)[25]
Fayad Ghanim
(Raqqa Hawks Brigade commander)[26]
Abu Issa
(Jabhat Thuwar al-Raqqa chief commander)
Muhedi Jayila
(Elite Forces commander)[27]
Bandar al-Humaydi
(Al-Sanadid Forces military chief commander)[25]
Siyamend Welat
(HXP chief commander)[28]
Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend
(CJTF–OIR chief commander)
For other anti-ISIL commanders, see order of battle|  Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (WIA)
(Leader of ISIL)[29][30]
Abu Jandal al-Kuwaiti †
(Leading ISIL commander for Raqqa defenses, c. 11–26 December)[31][32]
Abu Saraqeb al-Maghribi
(Head of security in Al-Thawrah)[33]
Abu Jandal al-Masri[33]
(Chief of Information in Raqqa)
Abu Muhammad al-Jazrawi
(Chief of Al-Hisba secret police[33]
Mahmoud al-Isawi †
(ISIL propaganda chief)[34]
Abd al-Basit al-Iraqi †
(ISIL commander of Middle East external networks)[35]
Zainuri Kamaruddin †
(Katibah Nusantara commander)[36]
Abu Luqman
(ISIL governor of Raqqa)[37]
For other ISIL commanders, see order of battle
Units involved
See anti-ISIL forces order of battle|  See ISIL order of battle
Strength

30,000–40,000 SDF fighters[38][39][40] (70% Arab acc. to the SDF)[41]

* 25,000 YPG & YPJ fighters[42]
* 1,000 female Arab volunteers[43]
* 1,000 Raqqa Hawks fighters[44]
* 650–3,500 Elite Forces fighters[45][46][47]
* 2,000 Al-Sanadid fighters[48]
* 500 Deir Ezzor Military Council fighters[49]
* 200 Syriac Military Council fighters[50]
* 2,550 Manbij Military Council fighters[51][52][53]
* 3,870 local pro-SDF tribes and village militia[54][55][b]

500 HXP soldiers[1]
503 USSOCOM Soldiers[58][59][60]
11th Marine Expeditionary Unit[61]
Several Dozens of Special Forces and military advisers[62][63][64]

* * *

Several Tupolev Tu-95 bombers[10]|

10,000–20,000+ fighters[65][66][67][68][69] (estimate by Western SDF volunteers & some experts)

* Raqqa city: c. 5,000 fighters[70]
* Large number of reinforcements from Mosul and al-Bab[70]
* 200 Iraqi reinforcements[71]
* Unknown number of child soldiers[72][73]

Unknown number of UAVs (drones)[74]
Casualties and losses

1,100–1,200+ killed, 2,500+ wounded (per US)[75][76]
793 killed, 1,685 wounded (per SDF)[11]
1 killed[77]

1 killed [78]|  3,784+ killed and 38 captured (SDF claim; up to 31 Aug. 2017, excluding July 2017)[c]
6,000 killed (US claim)[79]
2,385 civilians killed[80][81][82]
200,000 civilians displaced[83][84][85][86][87]

* v
* t
* e

Syrian civil war

Timeline

*     * January–April 2011
* May–August 2011
* September–December 2011
* January–April 2012
* May–August 2012
* September–December 2012
* January–April 2013
* May–December 2013
* January–July 2014
* August–December 2014
* January–July 2015
* August–December 2015
* January–April 2016
* May–August 2016
* September–December 2016
* January–April 2017
* May–August 2017
* September–December 2017
* January–April 2018
* May–August 2018
* September–December 2018
* January–April 2019
* May–August 2019
* September–December 2019

* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024

* * *

* Background and causes
* Casualties
* Cities
* map
* Terrorism
* Massacres

* v
* t
* e

Civil uprising in Syria (March–August 2011)

* Daraa
* Baniyas
* Homs (May–August 2011)
* Talkalakh
* Rastan and Talbiseh
* 1st Jisr ash-Shughur
* 1st Jabal al-Zawiya
* Hama
* Latakia

* v
* t
* e

Start of insurgency (Sept. 2011 – April 2012)

* Homs (2011–14)
* Homs offensive
* 1st Idlib Gov.
* Syrian–Turkish border
* Jabal al-Zawiya
* 1st Idlib City
* Saraqeb
* 1st Rastan
* Hama Gov.
* Shayrat & Tiyas ambush
* Daraa Gov.
* 1st Rif Dimashq
* 1st Zabadani
* Douma
* Deir ez-Zor (2011–2014)
* Hatla
* Aleppo Gov.
* Azaz
* 2nd Rastan
* 1st al-Qusayr
* 2nd Idlib Gov.
* Taftanaz

* v
* t
* e

UN ceasefire; Rebel advances (May 2012 – Dec. 2013)

* 3rd Rastan
* Houla
* Northern Homs
* Al-Haffah
* Al-Qubeir
* Al-Tremseh
* 3rd Idlib Gov.
* 1st Damascus
* Bombing
* Aleppo
* Anadan
* Menagh Air Base
* Base 46
* Khan al-Assal
* 1st Aleppo offensive
* 2nd Aleppo offensive
* Syrian Kurdistan and Kurdish–Islamist conflict
* Hasaka campaign
* Ras al-Ayn
* al-Yaarubiyah
* Tell Hamis and Tell Brak
* Tell Abyad
* Nubl & Al-Zahraa
* 2nd Rif Dimashq (1st Darayya)
* Abu al-Duhur Airbase
* Quneitra Gov.
* 3rd Rif Dimashq
* 1st Yarmouk camp
* 2nd Darayya
* Darayya & Muadamiyat
* Aqrab
* 1st Hama offensive
* Halfaya
* 1st Safira
* Shadadeh
* 2nd Damascus
* 1st Raqqa campaign (1st Raqqa)
* 1st Daraa offensive
* 4th Rif Dimashq
* Jdaidet al-Fadl
* Tadamon
* Ghouta
* Al-Qusayr offensive
* 2nd al-Qusayr
* Eastern Ghouta
* 2nd Hama offensive
* Bayda and Baniyas
* 1st Latakia offensive
* Ma'loula
* Sadad
* 5th Rif Dimashq
* 1st Qalamoun
* Adra

* v
* t
* e

Rise of ISIS in 2014

* Inter-rebel conflict
* Northern Aleppo
* Markada
* 1st Deir ez-Zor offensive
* al-Otaiba ambush
* Maan
* Hosn
* Morek
* 2nd Daraa offensive
* 2nd Latakia offensive
* 4th Idlib Gov.
* Al-Malihah
* 2nd Wadi Deif
* 2nd Qalamoun
* Arsal
* Deir ez-Zor (2014–2017)
* 1st Shaer gas field
* 1st Eastern Syria
* Tabqa Airbase
* 3rd Hama offensive
* 6th Rif Dimashq
* 1st Quneitra
* Kobanî

* v
* t
* e

U.S.-led intervention, Rebel and ISIL advances (Sept. 2014 – Sept. 2015)

* U.S.-led intervention
* Homs school bombing
* 3rd Daraa offensive
* 2nd Safira
* 2014 Idlib city raid
* Nusra–FSA conflict
* 2nd Shaer gas field
* 1st Al-Shaykh Maskin
* 2nd Deir ez-Zor offensive
* 3rd Aleppo offensive
* An-26 crash
* 4th Daraa offensive
* Southern Syria
* Eastern al-Hasakah offensive
* 1st Sarrin
* Hama/Homs offensive
* Bosra
* 5th Idlib Gov
* 2nd Idlib city
* Al-Fu'ah-Kafriya
* Nasib
* 2nd Yarmouk camp
* 1st Northwestern Syria
* 3rd Qalamoun
* 1st Palmyra
* Western al-Hasakah offensive
* 1st Al-Hasakah city
* Tell Abyad
* Daraa/As-Suwayda
* 2nd Quneitra
* 2nd Sarrin
* 5th Daraa
* 2nd Al-Hasakah city
* 2nd Kobanî
* 4th Aleppo offensive
* 2nd Zabadani
* 2nd Palmyra
* Al-Ghab
* 1st al-Qaryatayn
* Douma market
* 7th Rif Dimashq
* Kuweires offensive

* v
* t
* e

Russian intervention (Sept. 2015 – March 2016)

* Russian intervention
* 3rd Quneitra
* 2nd Northwestern Syria
* 3rd Latakia offensive
* Su-24 shootdown
* 5th Aleppo offensive
* al-Hawl
* Homs offensive
* 6th Aleppo offensive
* 4th Hama offensive
* Tell Tamer
* Tishrin Dam
* 2nd Al-Shaykh Maskin
* al-Qamishli bombings
* Orontes River
* 3rd Deir ez-Zor offensive
* 1st Sayyidah Zaynab
* 7th Aleppo offensive
* 1st Ithriyah-Raqqa
* Al-Shaddadi
* Homs bombings
* 2nd Sayyidah Zaynab
* Khanasir
* 2nd Tel Abyad
* Al-Tanf
* 2nd Al-Qaryatayn
* 3rd Palmyra
* 2nd Maarat al-Nu'man

* v
* t
* e

Aleppo escalation and Euphrates Shield (March 2016 – February 2017)

* 8th Aleppo offensive
* 6th Daraa
* 9th–11th Aleppo offensives
* Al-Dumayr
* 1st East Ghouta inter-rebel conflict
* 1st Qamishli
* Aleppo bombings
* 8th Rif Dimashq
* 3rd Shaer gas field
* Northern Raqqa
* Jableh & Tartus
* Manbij
* Tokhar
* 2nd Ithriyah-Raqqa
* 9th Rif Dimashq
* 12th–14th Aleppo offensives
* 12th
* 13th
* 14th
* 4th Latakia offensive
* 1st Abu Kamal
* 3rd Qamishli
* Atmeh
* al-Rai
* 3rd Al-Hasakah City
* Operation Euphrates Shield
* Northern al-Bab
* Dabiq
* al-Bab
* 5th Hama offensive
* 1st Western al-Bab
* 1st Eastern Qalamoun
* September bombings
* 4th Quneitra
* Deir ez-Zor airstrike
* Aleppo aid convoy attack
* 15th Aleppo offensive
* Khan al-Shih
* 1st Idlib inter-rebel conflict
* 2nd Western al-Bab
* 16th Aleppo offensive
* 2nd Raqqa campaign
* 17th Aleppo offensive
* 4th Palmyra
* Wadi Barada
* 1st Syrian Desert
* Azaz bombings
* 5th Palmyra
* 4th Deir ez-Zor offensive
* 18th Aleppo offensive
* 2nd Idlib inter-rebel conflict
* 7th Daraa
* Qaboun
* 8th Daraa

* v
* t
* e

Collapse of ISIS in Syria (2017)

* Eastern Homs offensive
* al-Jina mosque
* 6th Hama offensive
* Tabqa
* Khan Shaykhun
* US Shayrat strike
* Aleppo bus bombing
* April 2017 Turkish airstrikes
* 2nd East Ghouta inter-rebel conflict
* 2nd Syrian Desert
* Maskanah
* East Hama
* 2nd Raqqa
* 9th Daraa
* Southern Raqqa
* Iranian Deir ez-Zor strike
* Ja'din
* Jobar
* 5th Quneitra
* Central Syria
* 3rd Idlib inter-rebel conflict
* 4th Qalamoun
* Deir ez-Zor (2017–2019)
* 2nd Eastern Syria
* Deir ez-Zor city
* Euphrates Crossing
* Mayadin
* 2nd Abu Kamal
* 7th Hama offensive

* v
* t
* e

Rebels in retreat and Operation Olive Branch
(Nov. 2017 – Sep. 2018)

* 3rd Northwestern Syria
* Eastern Syria insurgency
* Atarib
* Harasta
* Beit Jinn
* 3rd Syrian Desert
* 5th Deir ez-Zor offensive
* 1st Southern Damascus
* Olive Branch
* Afrin
* SDF insurgency
* Khasham
* Feb 2018 Israel–Syria incident
* 10th Rif Dimashq (Douma)
* 4th Idlib inter-rebel conflict
* 2nd Southern Damascus
* U.S.-led missile strikes
* Northern Homs
* 2nd Eastern Qalamoun
* 3rd Southern Damascus
* Deir ez-Zor SAA-SDF clashes
* House of Cards
* 1st As-Suwayda
* 2nd Southern Syria
* 2nd As-Suwayda
* 3rd As-Suwayda
* 2nd Qamishli

* v
* t
* e

Idlib demilitarization
(Sep. 2018 – April 2019)

* Idlib demilitarization
* 5th Idlib inter-rebel conflict
* Sep. 2018 missile strikes
* Iranian Eastern Euphrates strike
* Northern border clashes
* Daraa insurgency
* Manbij bombing
* Baghuz Fawqani
* U.S. airstrike

* v
* t
* e

First Idlib offensive, Operation Peace Spring, & Second Idlib offensive (April 2019 – March 2020)

* 4th Northwestern
* Tell Rifaat
* Raqqa & Azaz
* Hass
* 2nd Israeli missile strikes
* Peace Spring (2nd Ras al-Ayn)
* Kayla Mueller
* Northern bombings
* 3rd Israeli missile strikes
* Qah
* 5th Northwestern
* Balyun
* Spring Shield
* 2nd U.S. missile strikes
* 10th Daraa

* v
* t
* e

Idlib ceasefire (March 2020 – November 2024)

* 6th Idlib inter-rebel conflict
* Ayn Issa
* Qamishli & Al-Hasakah
* 4th Israeli missile strikes
* 3rd Qamishli
* 11th Daraa
* 7th Idlib inter-rebel conflict
* 3rd Al-Hasakah city
* 1st Aleppo inter-rebel conflict
* Jabal al-Bishrī
* 2nd Aleppo inter-rebel conflict
* Claw-Sword
* Northwestern clashes
* 3rd U.S. missile strikes
* 2nd Northern clashes
* Deir ez-Zor (2023)
* 3rd Northern clashes
* Homs drone strike
* Israel–Hezbollah conflict (Iranian consulate airstrike)
* February 2024 airstrikes
* Anti-Turkish riots

* v
* t
* e

Aleppo offensive (November 2024 – present)

* Northwestern Syria offensive (2024) (2nd battle of Aleppo)

* v
* t
* e

Syrian War spillover and international incidents

* Lebanon spillover
* Lebanese–Syrian border
* Sidon
* Iranian embassy bombing
* North Lebanon clashes

* * *

* Syrian–Turkish border incidents
* Turkish F4 shootdown
* Reyhanlı bombings
* Turkish occupation of northern Syria
* Kurdish riots

* * *

* Jordanian–Syrian border incidents

* * *

* Israeli–Syrian ceasefire line
* February 2018 incident
* May 2018 incident

* * *

* Iraqi–Syrian border incidents
* Akashat
* al-Shabah
* Western Nineveh
* Western Iraq

* * *

* Spillover in Iran
* 2017 Tehran attacks
* 2017 Deir ez-Zor missile strike
* 2024 Iranian airstrikes in Syria

* * *

* Spillover in Turkey
* Russian Su-24 shootdown
* Andrei Karlov
* Balyun airstrikes
* Kafr Takharim airstrikes

* * *

* Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict

* * *

* * *

* Spillover in Europe

* v
* t
* e

Foreign involvement in the Syrian civil war

Foreign intervention on behalf of Syrian Arab Republic

* Russian involvement
* Iranian intervention
* 2017 missile strike
* 2012 Hezbollah involvement

Foreign intervention in behalf of Syrian rebels

* Foreign rebel fighters
* Turkish involvement
* Turkey–Islamic State conflict
* Tomb of Suleyman Shah relocation
* Euphrates Shield
* 2017 airstrikes
* Idlib Governorate operation
* Afrin operation
* 2019 Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria
* Israel's role

U.S.-led intervention against ISIL

* US intervention
* Timeline
* List of attacks
* 2014 rescue operation
* May 2015 raid
* 2017 missile strikes
* Qatari involvement
* Jordanian intervention
* Operation Martyr Muath
* Lebanon's role
* Saudi involvement
* April 2018 missile strikes
* Dutch involvement
* German intervention
* French intervention
* Australian intervention
* UK intervention

* v
* t
* e

Rojava conflict
(Syrian civil war)

2012
* 1st Aleppo

* 1st Ras al-Ayn

2013

* Kurdish–Islamist conflict
* 1st Tell Abyad
* al-Yaarubiyah
* 1st Tell Hamis and Tell Brak

2014

* 1st Kobanî
* American-led intervention
* Kurdish riots

2015

* Eastern al-Hasakah
* 1st Sarrin
* Western al-Hasakah
* 1st al-Hasakah
* 2nd Tell Abyad
* 2nd Sarrin
* 2nd al-Hasakah
* 2nd Kobani
* Al-Hawl
* Inner-SDF
* Tishrin Dam
* 1st al-Qamishli

2016

* Wusta
* Al-Shaddadi
* 7th Aleppo
* 3rd Tell Abyad
* 2nd al-Qamishli
* Northern Raqqa
* Manbij
* 3rd al-Qamishli
* 3rd al-Hasakah
* Euphrates Shield
* 1st Western al-Bab
* 2nd Western al-Bab
* al-Bab
* Raqqa

2017

* Tabqa
* Turkish airstrikes
* Raqqa City
* Ja'Din
* 1st Deir ez-Zor
* Eastern insurgency

2018

* Olive Branch
* Afrin
* Northern Aleppo insurgency
* 4th al-Qamishli
* Northern border clashes

2019

* 2nd Manbij
* Baghuz Fawqani
* Tell Rifaat
* Rojava offensive
* 2nd Ras al-Ayn

2020

* 2020–2021 Ayn Issa clashes

2021

* 5th al-Qamishli & 4th al-Hasakah
* 6th al-Qamishli

2022

* 5th al-Hasakah
* Claw-Sword

2023

* Turkish Airstrikes
* 2nd Deir ez-Zor

The Raqqa campaign[88] (codenamed Operation Wrath of Euphrates) was a military operation launched in November 2016 during the Rojava–Islamist conflict by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in the Raqqa Governorate, with the goal of isolating and eventually capturing the Islamic State's capital city, Raqqa. The SDF's subsidiary goals included capturing the Tabqa Dam, the nearby city of al-Thawrah,[89] and the Baath Dam further downstream.[90] The campaign ended successfully in October 2017, with the capture of Raqqa.

The offensive was concurrent with the Battle of Sirte in Libya, the Battle of Mosul in Iraq, the Battle of al-Bab in the Aleppo Governorate, the Palmyra offensive, the reignition of fighting in Deir ez-Zor's siege, the Central Syria campaign, and the Mayadin offensive.

## Background

[edit]

See also: Battle of Raqqa (March 2013), Tell Abyad offensive, and Northern Raqqa offensive (May 2016)

In late October 2016, the United States Secretary of Defense Ash Carter called for an offensive on Raqqa to take place concurrent with the Battle of Mosul in Iraq. He stated that the US was cooperating with its allies in order to launch an "isolation operation" around Raqqa. On 26 October, the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called the President of the United States Barack Obama and stated that he did not want the People's Protection Units (YPG) to participate in the planned operation, and instead, planned to involve the Turkish Armed Forces. The United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon rejected the idea of non-Arab forces taking part in the offensive and demanded a purely Arab force.[91]

On the same day, the commander of the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend stressed that the YPG-led Syrian Democratic Forces was the only armed group capable of capturing Raqqa in the near future. Fewer US-led coalition troops were to be involved than in the Battle of Mosul.[92] On 3 November, the commander of the Seljuk Brigade and SDF spokesman Col. Talal Silo rejected the participation of Turkey in the operation.[93]

After the start of the Battle of Mosul, many of the 20,000 ISIL fighters estimated to be living in Mosul[94] fled to Raqqa, boosting the ISIL forces that were already present in their de facto capital city.[95]

## Announcement

[edit]

The SDF officially announced the start of the operation on 6 November 2016, in the city of Ayn Issa.[96] The intention was to proceed in two phases, first seizing areas around Raqqa and isolating the city, advancing from three fronts, then taking control of the city itself.[97] The SDF general command called for the international coalition against ISIL to support the operation.[98] Secretary of Defense Ash Carter welcomed the announcement.[99]

## The offensive

[edit]

### Phase One: Isolating Raqqa from its northern hinterland

[edit]

Tal Saman, former ISIL headquarters in the northern Raqqa countryside, after being captured by the SDF

On 6 November, the SDF captured six small villages, Wahid, Umm Safa, Wasita, Haran, al-Adriyah and Jurah, south and southeast of Ayn Issa.[38] The Islamic State detonated four car bombs on the first day of the offensive.[100]

On 8 November, the SDF reported that they had taken control of 11 villages near Ayn Issa, and that the Islamic State forces used several car bombs against them.[101] By 11 November, the SDF had captured over a dozen villages and the strategically significant town of Al-Hisbah, which had served as a local headquarters and command center for ISIL.[102] On the next day, the SDF continued to advance against ISIL in the area around Tal Saman and Khnez, bringing the number of captured farms and villages to 26.[103]

On 14 November, the SDF stated that 500 km2 has been captured, including 34 villages, 31 hamlets and seven strategic hills, and 167 Islamic State casualties had been inflicted.[25] The SDF had also begun to besiege Tal Saman, the largest village and ISIL headquarters north of Raqqa,[104] while ISIL launched a counter-attack near Salok in the eastern countryside of Raqqa Governorate in an attempt to force the SDF to split its forces and open a new front.[105] On the next day, the SDF advanced into Tal Saman, resulting in a fierce battle with its ISIL defenders,[106] and captured 10 more villages and farms.[107][108] By 19 November, the SDF had fully captured Tal Saman and had driven ISIL completely from the surrounding countryside.[109][110] With this, the first phase of the offensive was considered complete.[111]

### Stalemate and preparation for the second phase

[edit]

A United States Air Force airstrike on an ISIL position to the north of Raqqa

The second phase of the offensive aimed to enforce a full blockade of the city of Raqqa.[111] On 21 November, the SDF captured two more villages,[112] while ISIL launched a counter-attack near Tal Saman.[113] Over the next days, the SDF attempted to further advance, such as at al-Qalita,[114] but was unable to break through ISIL's defense line south of Tal Saman.[115] On 24 November, a US serviceman died from wounds he suffered after stepping on an improvised explosive device near the town of Ayn Issa, to the north of Raqqa.[citation needed]

On 25 November, ISIL received reinforcements from Iraq, among them explosive experts and defected Iraqi Army personnel.[116] On the next day, ISIL launched a counter-attack, retaking parts of Qaltah village and a nearby water pump station, while the SDF managed to advance in the village's vicinity.[117][118] Boubaker Al-Hakim, an ISIL commander who was linked to the Charlie Hebdo shooting, was reported to have been killed in an American airstrike in Raqqa on 26 November.[119][120] Iraqi military however later stated in April 2017 that he might still be alive.[121]

On 27 November, the SDF announced the offensive's second phase was due to start,[122] though this was then delayed. At least five SDF fighters were killed in renewed clashes north of Raqqa on 29 November.[123] Meanwhile, ISIL suffered from the defection of two senior commanders, who fled from Raqqa to join Jabhat Fateh al-Sham in Idlib.[124] On 4 December, a coalition drone strike in Raqqa killed two ISIL leaders who had helped facilitate the November 2015 Paris attacks and another who was involved in a foiled suicide attack in Belgium in 2015.[119][125] Three days later, co-Chair of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) Salih Muslim said that the first phase to surround Raqqa was almost over, while a new Arab brigade consisting of more than 1,000 men and women from the Raqqa area had joined the SDF as part of the second phase which was slated to be launched on 10 December.[126] More than 1,500 Arab fighters who were trained and equipped by the anti-ISIL coalition joined the SDF for the second phase on its launch day.[127]

### Phase Two: Isolating Raqqa from its western countryside

[edit]

#### Initial advances

[edit]

SDF fighters northwest of Raqqa after the start of the offensive's second phase.

The SDF launched the second phase on 10 December, with the aim of capturing the northwestern and western countryside of Raqqa and ultimately reaching and securing the Tabqa Dam. The same day, it was announced that Arab SDF groups, consisting of the Elite Forces, Jabhat Thuwar al-Raqqa and the newly formed Deir Ezzor Military Council would be taking part. During the first day, the SDF began to advance south of the Tishrin Dam and captured al-Kiradi village.[128][129] The United States announced that it would send 200 more troops to assist the SDF.[58] The next day, the SDF captured seven more villages from ISIL.[130][131] On 12 December, the SDF captured four villages as well as many hamlets south of Tishrin Dam.[132][133][131] The SDF captured five villages during the next two days.[134][135][136] On 15 December, the SDF captured three villages, taking the total number of villages captured by them in the second phase to 20.[137]

Over the next four days, the SDF captured 20 more villages and finally reaching Lake Assad, thereby cutting off and besieging 54 ISIL-held villages to the west. In response to these territorial losses, ISIL began to carry out more suicide attacks against both the SDF as well as civilian targets within SDF-controlled areas in an attempt to hinder the offensive.[138][139][140][141][142] On 19 December, ISIL launched a counter-attack to regain four villages in the northwestern countryside,[143] but the attack was repelled after a few hours.[144] The SDF declared that they had captured 97 villages overall during the second phase, and had begun to advance against Qal'at Ja'bar.[145]

#### Battle of Jabar

[edit]

Dead ISIL fighters near Mahmudli

On 21 December, the SDF seized Jabar,[146] which served as the main weaponry storage and supply centre for ISIL in the northwestern countryside.[147] The coalition then began to move toward Suwaydiya Saghirah and Suwaydiya Kabir, the last villages before Tabqa Dam.[148] Even though an ISIL counter-attack managed to retake Jabar village soon after,[149] the SDF attacked again on 23 December, and once again took control of it, while also capturing another village.[150] This prompted ISIL to launch yet another counter-attack later that day, which was accompanied by several suicide car bombs.[151][152][153] As a result, heavy clashes took place between them and SDF fighters in several villages along the frontline that lasted until the early morning of 24 December. The ISIL forces were eventually forced to withdraw after the SDF first shelled and then stormed their positions, whereupon the latter took control of most of Jabar as well as two more villages,[154][155][156] though some ISIL holdouts persisted in Jabar.[147]

ISIL was pushed out of the neighboring, strategic village of Eastern Jabar on the next day, bringing the SDF within 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) of Tabqa Dam,[157][158] and by 26 December, the SDF had finally fully secured the main Jabar village, with the last ISIL defenders being expelled after heavy fighting.[147] An ISIL counterattack on the village later that day failed,[32][159] with a US airstrike killing Abu Jandal al-Kuwaiti as he commanded the assault. Al-Kuwaiti, also known as Abdulmuhsin al-Zaghelan al-Tarish, was a high-ranking ISIL commander leading the defense of the whole Raqqa region against the SDF.[32][31] Meanwhile, the Amaq News Agency declared that Iman Na'im Tandil (nom de guerre: Abu 'Umar Al-Hindi), one of the few Indian ISIL fighters active in Syria, had also been killed during the fighting near Jabar. The Islamic State's official media wing later also officially paid tribute to Iman.[160]

#### Battle for Jabar's surroundings

[edit]

A YPG BMP, loaded on a truck, being transported to the frontline near Mahmudli on 4 January

##### First week

[edit]

On 27 December, ISIL launched an attack on the village of Secol in the northern countryside, reportedly breaching the local SDF defences.[161] On the next day, the SDF reportedly captured Hadaj village after two days of heavy fighting, while another ISIL counter-attack against Jabar was repelled.[162] Mahmud al-Isawi, a senior ISIL manager of finances for the group's leaders who also worked in propaganda and intelligence-gathering, was killed on 31 December in a US-led coalition airstrike on Raqqa.[163] After three days of heavy fighting, the SDF captured all or most of Mahmudli, the largest town of the Al-Jarniyah Subdistrict, on 1 January 2017. ISIL counterattacked later in an attempt to regain the town.[164][165] The SDF leadership said that in the clashes since the launch of the second phase they had captured 110 villages, killed 277 ISIL fighters, and captured 13.[166]

Also, on January 1, 2017, the SDF resumed its offensive on the northern front, advancing 6 km south of Tell Saman against ISIL positions.[13][167] The SDF captured nine more villages in this area within the next three days.[168][169][170][171][172] Meanwhile, with the SDF edging closer to Raqqa, ISIL further restricted Internet access and increased surveillance over Internet users in Raqqa. There were harsh punishments for accessing anti-ISIL websites, with a new special unit within the ISIL's security office searching for offenders. Several online activists in Raqqa were captured and tortured or executed.[173]

##### Second week

[edit]

Another two villages and hamlets were captured by the SDF on 5 January 2017.[174]

SDF fighters examine Qal'at Ja'bar. ISIL militants had built tunnels and weapons depots into the medieval castle.[175]

The SDF captured Qal'at Ja'bar (Ja'bar Castle) from ISIL on 6 January.[176][177] The same day, ISIL was reported to have moved its 150 prisoners from Tabqa city due to the offensive.[178] The SDF later captured eight villages and five hamlets at the Ayn Issa front.[179] On 7 January, the SDF captured five villages including the strategic Suwaydiya Gharbi[180][181] and Suwaydiya Saghirah, reaching the outskirts of Tabqa Dam.[182] ISIL recaptured Suwaydiya Saghirah by the next day after a counterattack, while a local leader of the group was killed in clashes.[183] Meanwhile, ISIL was reported to have withdrawn 150 of its fighters towards Raqqa city.[184]

On 8 January 2017, US special forces raided the village of Al-Kubar, between Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor, killing at least 25 ISIL militants in the two-hour operation.[185] It was believed that the goal of the US may have been to rescue hostages from an ISIL secret prison in the village. After the raid, ISIL forces cut off access to the village.[185]

On 9 January, the SDF captured another village, along with three hamlets.[186]

##### Third week

[edit]

On 10 January, ISIL launched a large-scale counter-attack at the Jabar frontline and reportedly recaptured several sites;[187] with pro-Free Syrian Army sources claiming Qal'at Ja'bar and the village of Jabar were among these.[188] ISIL consequently released photos of dead SDF fighters, while claiming that over 70 of them had been killed in the counter-attack.[189] However, the SDF was reported to still be in control of Jabar village and Qalat Jabar a few days later.[190][191]

An ISIL attack on Jib Shair village, trying to resist SDF advances from the north, was repelled on the next day, after which the SDF advanced and captured six hamlets around it.[192] The SDF later announced that their forces advancing from the Ayn Issa front and on the Qadiriya front linked up in Kurmanju village after capturing several villages over the past few days,[193] besieging a large pocket of about 45 villages and 20 hamlets.[194] All of them were captured by the next day, resulting in the alliance gaining about 460 square kilometres (180 sq mi) of land.[195] Another village was captured by the SDF on 13 January.[196][197] On 15 January, the SDF progressed to Suwaydiya Kabir village,[198] while ISIL launched a large-scale counter-attack against Mahmudli and a nearby village, resulting in clashes within these settlements.[199] The attack was repelled after several hours of fighting.[200] The SDF captured three villages during the day,[201] while Suwaydiya Saghirah was also reported to be under its control again.[202]

##### Fourth week

[edit]

On 17 January 2017, 28 Arab tribes from Raqqa announced their support for the offensive and encouraged locals to join the SDF.[203][204]

The SDF attacked Suwaydiya Kabir on the next day, leading to heavy clashes in the village.[205] Meanwhile, it was announced that about 2,500 local fighters had joined the offensive since it began.[206] On 19 January, ISIL launched a counter-attack against Suwaydiya Saghirah, supported by mortars and heavy machine guns, killing or wounding several YPG fighters.[207][208] Despite this, the SDF made further progress on the next day, capturing a village and advancing against many other ISIL-held villages.[209] The SDF again attacked Suwaydiya Kabir on 20 January, reaching the outskirts of the village, and captured it on 22 January after heavy clashes, with the support of U.S. special forces.[210][211]

#### Tabqa Dam raid and further SDF advances in the north

[edit]

The Tabqa Dam in 2014

In late January 2017, it was reported that a number of ISIL militants were hiding inside the structure of the Tabqa Dam, including senior militant leaders who used to be "very important prisoners" wanted by the US and several other countries, in order to deter a possible US-led coalition strike on them.[citation needed]

On 23 January, the SDF began to advance on the Tabqa Dam, spurring ISIL to open its turbines to raise the Euphrates River's water levels. This was seen as an attempt to hinder the progress of the Kurdish-led forces and a scare tactic,[212] and caused the water level of the Euphrates to rise to its highest level in 20 years, leading to record flooding downstream.[213] By 24 January, the SDF managed to capture parts of the town, and they began to work towards the Tabqa Dam's control rooms, at the southern part of the dam, in an attempt to stop the massive outflow of water released by ISIL. However, the entrance to the dam's control rooms was too well defended, and with the continued threat of disastrous flooding downstream, SDF and the US forces withdrew from both the Tabqa Dam and the town of Al-Thawrah, after which ISIL closed the dam's turbines again.[213]

Over the next three days, ISIL repeatedly launched fierce counter-attacks against SDF positions in the western and northern countryside.[214][215][216] ISIL managed to retake ground in the area around the dam,[217] but the attack was later repelled.[218]

### Preparation for the third phase

[edit]

An SDF IAG Guardian armoured personnel carrier in February 2017, one of several APCs that were supplied by the United States to the SDF

On 31 January 2017, the SDF received a number of armoured personnel carriers supplied by the US. The SDF spokesman stated that preparations for a new phase of the operation were continuing and the operation would begin in "a few days".[219] Meanwhile, the leader of the SDF-aligned Syria's Tomorrow Movement and its paramilitary wing, Ahmad Jarba, announced that 3,000 Arab fighters under his command were training with US special forces to be deployed in the battle for Raqqa against ISIL.[45]

On the night of 2–3 February, intense CJTF–OIR airstrikes targeted several bridges in or near Raqqa city, destroying them as well as the local water pipelines, leaving the city without drinking water. Meanwhile, the SDF advanced against the village of Qaltah in the northern countryside,[220] which the coalition had already unsuccessfully attacked in November.[117] ISIL maintenance crews managed to fix the pipelines during 3 February, restoring Raqqa's water supply.[221][222] On 3 February, 251 Arab fighters in Hasaka completed their training and joined the SDF.[223]

### Phase Three: Isolating Raqqa from its eastern countryside

[edit]

#### Pressing south

[edit]

YPG and YPJ fighters in combat

On 4 February, the SDF announced the offensive's third phase, aiming at capturing Raqqa's eastern countryside, and to separate Raqqa city from ISIL forces in Deir ez-Zor, though operations in the west and north would continue simultaneously.[224] The SDF captured a village and three hamlets to the northeast of Raqqa later that day, with clashes being reported at al-Qaltah and Bir Said.[225] On the next day, the Kurdish-led forces captured another two villages along with a hamlet and two farms, and besieged Bir Said,[226][227] while especially intense airstrikes hit several ISIL targets in Al-Thawrah.[228] Bir Said, along with another village, was eventually captured by the SDF on 6 February.[229][230][231] In addition to these villages, the SDF also captured another five villages on two fronts.[232] The SDF made further progress, capturing three more villages on 7 February.[233] In early February 2017, US-led coalition airstrikes destroyed much of the Deir ez-Zor-Raqqa highway, reducing it to a single-file gravel road in some spots, with the SDF patrolling other areas with minefields, in order to prevent ISIL from reinforcing Raqqa city.[213] By this point, almost all of the five bridges leading to Raqqa had been destroyed either by the US-led coalition or by ISIL, with the only exceptions being the Tabqa Dam and the Baath Dam, both west of Raqqa city.[234]

As these advances continued, ISIL responded by launching several unsuccessful counter-attacks against Suwaydiya Kabir and other strategic territories captured by the SDF.[235][236] On 8 and 9 February, the SDF advanced at the northern and northeastern frontline, capturing several villages and besieging Mizella, a major strategic ISIL stronghold in the northern countryside. The advance put them within 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) of Raqqa.[237][238][239][240][241] The SDF captured Mizella the next day.[41][242] The two fronts of the alliance converged on 11 February as it also captured two villages and wheat silos to the north of Raqqa during the day;[243][244] the next day, the SDF attempted to cross the Balikh River northeast of Raqqa, leading to heavy fighting with local ISIL defenders.[245] On 12 February, a large-scale counter-attack by ISIL reportedly succeeded in retaking Suwaydiya Kabir and four other nearby villages.[246][247] Another counterattack was carried out by ISIL to the northeast of Raqqa where the SDF had advanced to, leading to heavy clashes between both sides.[248] Clashes continued over the next few days.[249]

#### Capturing the eastern countryside

[edit]

A destroyed bridge over the Euphrates in Deir ez-Zor Governorate. As a result of the CJTF–OIR bombing campaign, as well as ISIL detonations, most bridges across the river were destroyed.

On 17 February 2017, the SDF announced the launch of the second stage of the third phase, aimed at capturing the eastern countryside of Raqqa near Deir ez-Zor, with the Deir Ezzor Military Council leading the operation.[250] On the same day the SDF captured two villages from ISIL to the north of Deir ez-Zor and came within 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) of the northeast of Raqqa,[251] while the Russian Air Force conducted airstrikes on ISIL forces in Raqqa city for the second time since its entry into the war.[10] The next day, the SDF captured another village to the southwest of the Makman front (north of Deir ez-Zor) as well as another near Raqqa.[252][253] On 18 February, the SDF stormed a prison a few kilometres northeast of Raqqa, freeing some of the inmates.[254] They later captured three villages in Deir ez-Zor's northern countryside.[255] On 20 February, they captured four villages on the Makmen front, including the strategic village of Sebah al-Xêr as well as a base station of Syriatel, thus cutting off the road between Makman and Raqqa and besieging three ISIL-held villages. Furthermore, the SDF took control of a significant bridge over the Balikh River on the western front.[256][257][258][259][260][261]

On 21 February, the SDF captured two villages on the Makman front and another one near Raqqa.[262][263][264] ISIL later again assaulted Suwaydiya Kabir, attacking it from three fronts, leading to heavy fighting around it.[265] The SDF continued advancing in the eastern countryside of Raqqa on 22 February, capturing three villages, and merging the two fronts at Makman and Bir Hebe. A YPJ commander declared that the SDF had cut the road to Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor.[266][267][268] The SDF stated that it had entered Deir ez-Zor Governorate for the first time in the offensive.[269] On the next day, they captured six villages and sixteen hamlets.[270]

#### Opening of a new front

[edit]

On 24 February, the SDF captured four villages in the Makman front and another three in a fourth front to the northeast of Deir ez-Zor.[271][272] They captured the strategic Abu Khashab village later that day.[273] On 25 February, they captured another three villages on the fourth front.[274][275]

On 26 February, a US airstrike near Tabqa Dam destroyed a former government facility which was being used as a headquarters by ISIL. The airstrike's proximity to the dam's structure led to fears that the dam could potentially be destabilized or destroyed during the fighting.[275] Later that day, it was reported that the SDF had captured the village of Al-Kubar, on the northern bank of the Euphrates in the Deir ez-Zor countryside, further tightening the siege on Raqqa.[276] On 28 February, it was reported that the US-led coalition had completely destroyed the Tabqa Airbase in an airstrike.[277]

On 27 February, the plan that the Pentagon submitted to US President Donald Trump to significantly speed up the fight against ISIL included a significant increase in US participation in the Raqqa campaign, with the possibility of the US increasing its ground presence on the Raqqa front to 4,000–5,000 troops.[278]

#### Advance to the Raqqa-Deir Ezzor highway

[edit]

YPG/SDF fighters on the bank of the Euphrates east of Raqqa

The offensive resumed on 5 March, with the SDF capturing at least seven villages and 15 hamlets to the northeast of the Euphrates River, east of Raqqa. The offensive had previously been paused due to bad weather, according to the SDF.[279][280][281] The area captured by the SDF on that day was about 19 square kilometers, and about 32 ISIL militants were killed in the clashes.[282] After further advances on 6 March, the SDF cut the highway between Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor, which was the last road out of the city,[283][284] and reached the Euphrates River.[285] The SDF captured six villages, the Al-Kubar Military Base (a former nuclear facility), and the Zalabiye Bridge, during the day.[286][287] On 8 March, the SDF took control of the strategic West Menxer hill in the eastern countryside,[288] while elements of the US 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit were deployed to northern Syria, bringing with them an artillery battery of M777 howitzers to support the attack on Raqqa.[61] Meanwhile, about 150 ISIL militants from Hama and Deir ez-Zor managed to reinforce Raqqa, by crossing the Euphrates, despite the partial siege that had been imposed by the SDF on the city.[289]

On 9 March, SDF captured the strategic East Menxer hill and captured three villages on two different fronts. Two villages, including Kubar, were captured on the front to the far east of Raqqa, and one near Raqqa.[290][291][292] 244 Arab fighters from the Raqqa countryside also joined the SDF during the day, for the protection of the people in the region.[293] On the next day, the SDF advancing from the Abu Khashab front captured three villages, including two near Kubar.[294][295][296] On 12 March, the SDF captured Khas Ujayl village, to the southeast of Raqqa, on the Abu Khashab front,[297][298] while ISIL continued to launch repeated counterattacks in the area, in an attempt to check the SDF advances.[299] Meanwhile, 230 ISIL fighters entered Raqqa to reinforce the city.[299][300]

On 14 March, the SDF captured the Khass Hibal village, as well as the Al-Kulayb grain silos, along the Raqqa-Deir Ezzor highway.[301] An SDF spokeswoman stated that Raqqa had been isolated. The advance of the SDF put them in control of the land region used by ISIL to connect to their territories in the east, stretching from al-Kubar to the northern bank of the Euphrates and measuring 30 kilometres (19 mi).[302] The SDF captured the Hamad Asaf silos and al-Qulayb village the next day.[303] Hamad Assaf was also reportedly captured.[304] On 17 March, a YPG commander stated that the SDF planned to storm Raqqa city in April 2017, and that the YPG would be participating in the attack, despite the fierce opposition from the Turkish government. However, Pentagon Spokesman Jeff Davis denied that any decision had been made regarding when and how an assault on Raqqa city would be carried out.[305] Meanwhile, clashes continued to take place around Khas Ujayl.[306][307]

The town of al-Karama, after the SDF had captured it from ISIL

Heavy clashes took place in the town of al-Karama, to the east of Raqqa, on 19 March.[308][309] On the next day, SDF captured al-Karama, along with Jarqa village as well as a train station and water pumping station nearby.[310][311][312][313] On 21 March, it was reported again that the SDF had captured Hamad Assaf in the eastern countryside from the Abu Khashab front.[314][315] Another village was captured on 22 March from the Abu Khashab front.[316][315] Meanwhile, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) and Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RIBSS) stated that coalition airstrikes hit a school being used as a shelter for displaced people in a village to the west of Raqqa on 20 March. SOHR stated that 33 civilians were killed in the airstrikes while RIBSS stated that it was unknown what happened to 50 families who were there.[317] The SDF continued advancing in the eastern Raqqa countryside on 23 March, capturing two more villages on the Abu Khashab front, allowing them to capture a small ISIL pocket.[318][319][320] On 24 March, the SDF took control of two more villages in the eastern countryside of Raqqa.[321][322]

### Battle for al-Tabqa countryside and other advances

[edit]

See also: Battle of Tabqa (2017) § Assault on Tabqa Dam and Tabqa Airbase

SDF fighters near Tabqa Dam on 27 March

On 22 March, the SDF began an assault to capture the Tabqa Dam, al-Thawrah (Tabqa) city, and its airbase. Five hundred SDF fighters and five hundred US Special Forces from CJTF–OIR were airlifted by helicopters of the United States military, across the Euphrates River and Lake Assad, and were dropped on the Shurfa Peninsula to the west of Al-Thawrah. The attack was supported by artillery support from United States Marines, as well as air support.[323][324][325][326] SDF and US forces also landed on the Jazirat al-'Ayd Island (or Peninsula) to the west of Tabqa Dam, capturing it as well.[327] Four villages southwest of Tabqa were captured in the attack, including Abu Hurayrah, al-Mushayirafah, al-Krain, and al-Jameen. The SDF advanced towards the town of Al-Thawrah, where fliers were dropped, asking residents to stay indoors and avoid clashing against ISIL for now. These fliers were also dropped on Raqqa city.[328] An anti-ISIL coalition spokesman announced that the advance had cut off the highway linking the Aleppo, Deir ez-Zor, and Raqqa Governorates. He added that around 75–80% of the attacking force consisted of Arab fighters, with the rest being Kurds. The SDF stated that the advance was also meant to block any advance on Raqqa by the Syrian Arab Army from the west.[329]

Refugees from al-Thawrah (Tabqa) city, who had fled from the fighting between the SDF and ISIL

On the same day, SDF and US forces stormed the Tabqa Dam, triggering "intense" clashes with ISIL forces. US officials stated that it may take several weeks to capture Tabqa Dam, Al-Thawrah city, and the surrounding countryside from ISIL.[330][331] Airstrikes by the coalition on Tabqa city were reported to have killed about 25 civilians.[332] On 23 March, some early reports circulated that the SDF had captured Tabqa Dam from ISIL, after clashing with ISIL forces for a few hours.[333][334][8] However, these reports were unconfirmed by other sources, with neither the SDF or CENTCOM confirming the capture of Tabqa Dam, and Rudaw reported that the SDF was still preparing to capture it.[333][335] SDF spokesman Talal Silo stated during the day that they were still advancing on the dam and the city and expected to attack the dam soon.[336] ISIL's Amaq News Agency later denied that the SDF had captured the dam.[337]

On 24 March, SDF spokeswoman Jihan Sheikh Ahmed announced that they had reached the Tabqa Dam, and were fighting ISIL at its entrance.[338] The assault on the dam was spearheaded by SDF fighters who were backed by United States Special Operation Forces. According to early reports, the SDF and its allies had taken its outer perimeter, with the battle ongoing for its middle.[339] On the same day, it was also reported that the SDF had captured 8 villages to the southwest of Al-Thawrah.[340] On the same day, the SDF advanced on Al-Tabqa Airbase, setting off clashes in the vicinity.[341] Amaq meanwhile claimed SDF had withdrawn from the dam.[342]

On 26 March, the SDF captured 2 villages to the east of Al-Thawrah. It was also reported that ISIL was shelling the surroundings of Tabqa Dam with heavy weaponry.[343][344] On the same day, ISIL claimed that Tabqa Dam was on the verge of collapse and that all the floodgates were closed. The dam was reported to have become inoperable, which ISIL claimed was due to Coalition bombing and artillery strikes, though the SOHR stated that the actual reasons were unknown, adding that ISIL still held its main building and turbines.[345][346] SDF however denied that it had been hit, while RIBSS (Raqqa is Silently Being Slaughtered) stated that ISIL was informing fleeing civilians that the dam was safe.[347] Additionally, the US-led Coalition stated that the Tabqa Dam was structurally sound, and that the dam had not been targeted by any airstrikes. They also stated that the SDF controlled an emergency spillway at the northern part of the dam, which could be used in the event of an emergency.[348] On the same day, SDF spokesman Talal Silo announced that SDF had stormed the Tabqa military airport, and had taken sixty to seventy percent of it.[349] They later announced that they had completely captured the Al-Tabqa Airbase, following a 24-hour battle.[14][350][15] ISIL forces stationed at Al-Tabqa Airbase were reported to have withdrawn northward, to Al-Thawrah city. Additionally, the SDF captured 2 villages near the airbase during the advance.[350][351]

A boat carrying SDF fighters across Lake Assad on 9 April 2017

Late on 26 March, it was reported that the SDF had taken full control of Tabqa Dam, and that repairs on the dam by Coalition engineers had begun.[352][353] A day later however SDF announced they were temporarily pausing their offensive for the dam.[354][355][356] Later in the day, a spokeswoman of the SDF announced that engineers who had been permitted to check the dam and its operations did not find it was damaged or malfunctioning.[357] SDF also captured 2 villages to the west of Raqqa on the same day.[358][359][360] It resumed the offensive against ISIL at the Tabqa Dam on 28 March.[361] Syrian engineers worked on the dam during a pause in the fighting to open spillways and ease the pressure on the dam. Its southern reaches were reported to be under ISIL control. ISIL claimed that the maintenance team was killed in airstrikes by the anti-ISIL coalition while the SOHR stated that it had learned that the engineer administering the dam had been killed in airstrikes along with a technician. It also stated that the group had sent 900 fighters from Raqqa to fight against the SDF advance.[362]

On 29 March, the SDF cut the road between Al-Thawrah (Tabqa) city and Raqqa. The SDF stated that ISIL had shelled the Tabqa Dam during the day, causing repair work to be temporarily paused.[363][364] On 31 March, the SDF attacked the town of al-Safsafah, to the east of al-Thawrah, in an attempt to besiege the city.[365][366] On the same day, the Ajeel tribe of Raqqa announced its support for the SDF's Raqqa campaign and sent 150 fighters.[367] Meanwhile, leaflets were dropped on the city calling on ISIL to surrender.[368] Clashes continued in the countryside of Tabqa on next day as both sides attempted to advance.[369]

IRPGF fighters crossing Lake Assad by boat

The SDF and some activists stated on 2 April that it had repelled a major ISIL counterattack to the northeast of Tabqa city, near the Tabqa Dam and near the Tabqa airbase. They also continued to advance in villages to the east of Tabqa city.[370] On the same day, it was reported that SDF had completely besieged Al-Thawrah (Tabqa) city, with Kurdish activists stating that 2 SDF units linked up to the east of the city.[371][372] SOHR, however, stated that they were still trying to besiege the city.[373] SDF fighters continued battling for Safsafah and Ibad, on the next day, to fully encircle Tabqa.[374][375] On 3 April, it was reported that ISIL was possibly in the process of moving its capital from Raqqa city to Mayadin, in the Deir ez-Zor Governorate. This followed months of gradual relocation of resources and senior ISIL leaders from Raqqa to Mayadin.[376] SDF entered and besieged Safsafah on 5 April, thus also besieging Tabqa city while claiming that it had also taken control of a major part of Safsafah.[377] The village was captured by the next day, resulting in SDF completely encircling Tabqa city.[378][379]

On 6 April 2017, US Special Forces carried out a raid near the city of Mayadin, in the Deir ez-Zor Governorate, killing Abdul Rahman al-Uzbeki, a high-ranking ISIL commander who was believed to have masterminded the 2017 Istanbul New Year terror attack.[380]

The SDF captured Ibad village, to the east of Safsafah, on 9 April, further expanding their control in eastern countryside of Tabqa, while more than 25 ISIL fighters were killed in the clashes.[381][382] ISIL also launched unsuccessful counterattacks on Safsafah,[383] while also attacking Al-Tabqa Airbase.[384] The SDF captured another village near Tabqa on the next day.[385]

On 11 April, the US-led Coalition reported that the SDF had captured 60% of Tabqa Dam, and that they were "very close" to liberating the dam.[386][387] On 13 April, the United States military stated that CJTF–OIR had bombed a SDF fighting position near Tabqa as it was misidentified as belonging to ISIL. It added that the airstrikes resulted in deaths of 18 SDF fighters.[388]

### Phase Four: Offensive directly north of Raqqa city; Assault on Tabqa city

[edit]

See also: Battle of Tabqa (2017) § Battle for Tabqa city

Map of the progress of the Battle of Tabqa

On 13 April, the SDF announced the launch of the fourth phase of the campaign. The new phase would involve capturing the entire area directly north of Raqqa city, including the Jalab valley, as well as further strengthening the siege of Raqqa city.[389][390] The advancements may involve capturing the southern countryside of Raqqa as well, since the SDF stated that they plan to fully isolate the city before launching an attack on it.[391][389] A plan to attack Raqqa city itself was also scheduled to for April 2017, but it was postponed due to the Battle of Tabqa.[392] SDF was reported to have captured a village in the northern countryside of Raqqa on the same day.[393]

SOHR stated early on 15 April that the SDF had advanced to the edge of Tabqa, and was within hundreds of meters of the city.[394] Later, SDF captured the village of Ayad al-Saghir near Tabqa and stormed the city itself, capturing the Alexandria suburb and bringing about 15% of the city under their control.[395][396][397] They also cleared the Mushayrifah village near Tabqa, killing 27 ISIL fighters.[398][399]

An IRPGF fighter during the Battle for Tabqa city

On 17 April, the SDF captured three villages in the northern countryside of Raqqa, and four hamlets.[400][401][402] On the same day, the Manbij Military Council announced that 200 of its fighters would participate in the battle for Tabqa, with a total of 350.[403][52] SDF advanced in Tabqa city again on 17 and 18 April, also capturing an ISIL radio station.[404][405][406] On 19 April, SDF captured 4 villages near Raqqa as well as other areas.[407][408] On 20 April, they captured at least six villages to north of Raqqa.[409][410][411] More villages and areas were captured by the SDF north of Raqqa on 21 and 22 April, including Hazima and Mazrat Tishrin.[412][413][414][415] Meanwhile, it was reported that ISIL had essentially moved its capital to Mayadin, in the Deir ez-Zor Governorate, and that ISIL had centered its forces in the Deir ez-Zor Governorate, thus transforming Mayadin into a "secondary capital city" for ISIL.[416][380] On 24 April, the SDF captured the ISIL pocket to the north of Raqqa city, allowing them to gain control of 13 villages.[417]

By 25 April, the SDF captured the Wahab district of Tabqa city, during a large advance in its southern and western flanks, which increased SDF control of the city to 40%. The SDF also destroyed an ISIL cell in Jazirat al-Ayd, allowing them to completely secure the island.[418][419][420] Meanwhile, the two SDF fronts north of Raqqa were reported to have joined up, following the capture of a number of villages in a former ISIL pocket.[421][417] The SDF also announced that it had captured the northern part of Julab Valley.[422] They announced on 28 April that they had captured the Nababila and Zahra districts of Tabqa city.[423] Meanwhile, the YPG also threatened to withdraw from the operation to capture Raqqa, if the United States didn't take measures to stop Turkey's attacks against the group.[424]

A SDF fighter stands in a destroyed area of Tabqa city.

SDF advanced in Tabqa city again on 30 April. They stated that they had captured six more districts, and that ISIL only controlled the northern part of the city near Tabqa Dam.[425] SOHR stated that SDF controlled at least 40% of the city, including more than half of the Old City area.[426] Later on the same day, it was reported that the SDF had captured at least 60% of the city.[427] On the next day SDF stated that it had completely captured the Old City area, leaving ISIL in control of only the newer areas of the town alongside the dam. SOHR stated that they controlled about 80% of the city.[428]

On 2 May SDF stated that it had captured about 90 percent of the town[429] amid reports of negotiations between Kurdish fighters and ISIL to allow the latter to withdraw from the remaining areas under its control.[430] By 3 May, SDF had almost captured the whole city except a small northern area and district near the dam.[431][432] ISIL also carried out counterattacks in and near Tabqa.[431][433] It was later reported that a deal had been reached to allow remaining ISIL fighters to withdraw from the city as well as the dam.[432][434] SDF and its commanders however denied any deal had been reached, adding that clashes were still ongoing against ISIL in a village near Tabqa and the three northern districts of the town including some militants who were hiding among civilians.[435][436] Also on 3 May, a new batch of 110 fighters of the Elite Forces graduated after training in Al-Hasakah. The fighters are scheduled to participate in the Raqqa campaign.[437]

SDF fighters raise their flag in Tabqa.

On 8 May 2017, 100 Arab fighters from northern Raqqa started training to join the YPG, for the Raqqa offensive, with training set to conclude at the end of the month.[438] Also on 8 May, SDF announced that they had captured the First Quarter district of Tabqa city that connects the three newer districts of the town to the dam.[439] The advance cutoff the two remaining suburbs under ISIL control from the dam. In addition, SDF also captured the Watani hospital.[440][441][442] It was also reported that SDF had captured the village of Sahel al-Khashab.[443][444] SOHR reported that although some Syrian ISIL fighters had withdrawn under a deal allowing SDF to take control of the whole town, other fighters who were mostly non-Syrian refused to withdraw and were clashing with SDF as well as waging a guerilla-style battle.[445] On 9 May, the SDF made a press statement announcing the relaunch of the fourth phase of the campaign after a 15-day suspension.[446] The following day, the SDF as well as SOHR announced that the alliance had completely captured the town as well as the dam.[447][16]

#### Resumption of Phase Four

[edit]

The SDF announced that they had resumed the fourth phase of the campaign on 10 May.[448] On the next day, it was reported that the SDF had captured two to three villages to the north of Raqqa city.[449] Later, they captured another village north of Raqqa.[450][451] An ISIL counter-attack on Tabqa city was meanwhile repelled.[452] On 12 May, 2 villages in the northern countryside along with a cotton mill were captured. Kurdish news agencies also stated that SDF had captured a local ruling party headquarters as well as prison used by the militants.[453][454][455][456] By 14 May, SDF captured three to four villages to the north of Raqqa.[457][458][459] About seven to eight villages were captured by SDF in the region till 17 May, along with about 17 hamlets also reported captured.[460][461][462][463][464]

On 18 May, SDF captured a village located to the east of Raqqa.[465][466] On the next day, two villages along with a farm were captured by the alliance.[467][468] By 21 May, two villages were captured with SDF advancing within 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) of the Baath Dam.[469][470][471] By 23 May, another 2 villages were captured near the dam.[472] Another village was captured near the dam later.[473][474] On 24 May, two villages including the town of Hamrat Nasera were captured by the SDF in the western countryside while a village in the eastern countryside was also reported to have been captured.[475] On the next day, the SDF captured the strategic Kadiran village to the north of the dam.[476] Meanwhile, the Manbij Military Council sent an additional 2,200 fighters.[53] The SDF stated the next day that more than 1,000 men from the al-Tabqa region had joined it on the day.[477]

Following the seizure of six villages on 30 May, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continued on the 31st as units were able to take control of Hunaydi village and establish fire control over a section of the M6 highway, a jihadist supply road which runs vertically through ISIS territory in Syria. In addition, ISIL withdrew from the village of al-Assadiah. Effectively, the SDF had then besieged the highly fortified Division 17 military base, located directly north of the provincial capital. Meanwhile, approximately 4,000 ISIS fighters were waiting to fight the SDF in Raqqa.[478]

On 2 June, the SDF captured the town of Mansoura after a 3-day battle. Before the SDF captured it, Mansoura was the largest town still under ISIL control west of Raqqa.[479] By 4 June, the SDF along the US and French Special Forces fully captured Baath Dam.[18][5]

### Phase Five: Battle for Raqqa city

[edit]

Main article: Battle of Raqqa (2017)

The United States Marine Corps providing fire support for the SDF during the Battle of Raqqa. Map of the SDF's advances in Raqqa city

On 6 June 2017, the SDF announced the start of the Battle of Raqqa city. The offensive came from Raqqa's north, east, and west. The SDF attacked the 17th Division base and the Mashlab district in the northern part of the city.[480] The battle was earlier announced by SDF to be the "fifth and final phase".[481]

On 24 June, the SDF completely besieged Raqqa city, trapping about 4,000 ISIL militants in the city.[482]

As of the 28 September, around 50% of Raqqa had been "totally destroyed" during the battle.[483]

On 14 October, a group of ISIL fighters and around 400 civilians, reportedly used as human shields by ISIS, evacuated from Raqqa under an agreement with the SDF. The next day, the SDF announced the "final phase" of the battle, code-named the Battle of Martyr Adnan Abu Amjad,[484] to capture the remaining ISIL holdouts in 10% of the city.[485]

On 16 October, the SDF reportedly destroyed the last ISIL forces in the al-Andalus and al-Matar neighborhoods,[486] and finally secured the al-Naim roundabout.[487]

On 17 October, ISIL control in Raqqa officially ended when the SDF captured the National Hospital and the Stadium,[488] though a clear and hold operation was still expected in order to clear out potential remaining pockets of resistance.[488]

Following the end of clearing operations, victory was officially declared by the SDF on 20 October.[489]

## Syrian Army offensive in southern Raqqa

[edit]

Main article: Southern Raqqa offensive (June 2017)

On June 12, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), led by the Tiger Forces, began an offensive on ISIL positions in the western countryside of Raqqa, south of the town of Maskanah, which it recently captured, toward the Ithriya-Tabqa highway, aiming to secure its main supply route to Aleppo. A Hezbollah-run media unit reported that government forces advanced 32 km south of Maskanah, capturing the villages of Rajm Askar, Bir Inbaj, Zahar Um Baj, Jab Aziz, Jab al-Ghanem, Abu Sousa and Jab Abyadin in the process. A source close to the Tiger Forces said that the SAA had occupied all areas west of the Resafa oil field. Al-Masdar News reported that the June 13 advances marked the first time government forces had any presence around SDF-occupied Tabqa in three years.[9][490] On 18 June, a Syrian Air Force Su-22 was shot down by a US Navy F-18E south of Tabqa; the US military subsequently claimed that the Syrian jet had been intercepted after it had bombed SDF positions.[491] Both the pro-opposition SOHR[492] as well as the pro-SDF Hawar News Agency denied this, however, stating that the jet had not attacked the SDF. The Syrian government said that their Su-22 had bombed ISIL positions when it was destroyed.[493]

On July 15, the SAA captured the Wahab, al-Fahd, Dbaysan, al-Qseer, Abu al-Qatat and Abu Qatash oil fields, south of Resafa.[494] Al-Masdar News reported that the Tiger Forces overran three more fields in the region the following day, including Zamleh Sharqiyah, Bir Zamleh and Al-Khalaa.[495]

## Administration of captured territory

[edit]

### Civil administration

[edit]

See also: Raqqa Internal Security Forces

Samer Kharkhi, one of the Raqqa Civil Council's leading members Members of the Raqqa Internal Security Forces with their flag in Ayn Issa

On 14 November, the SDF's civilian sister institution, the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), started working on the establishment of a civilian administration to run the city of Raqqa after the expulsion of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. SDC co-chair Îlham Ehmed said "such an administration could provide a good example for democratic change in Raqqa, especially that the city has been for years a de facto capital for the ISIS terrorist group. This accomplishment would be a major change in the overall situation in Syria, and would help the country move towards stability, democratic change. Raqqa will be an example for the whole country."[496]

On 8 December, Col. John Dorrian, the Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman, stated that "a governance structure representative of the local population" similar to that in Manbij is planned for Raqqa.[497] On 10 December, Cihan Shekh Ehmed, the spokesman of the SDF-led operation, said that Raqqa would be run by a local elected civilian council after it was liberated.[127] On 27 March 2017, Salih Muslim Muhammad, co-chairman of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), said that as soon as the SDF had captured the city, "the people of Raqqa are the ones who [will] take the decision on everything". If they wanted to do so, Muslim said, they could choose to join the Democratic Federal System of Northern Syria.[498] On the same day, the provisional Raqqa Civil Council announced that it had taken over the administration of the eastern countryside.[499]

During a meeting in Ayn Issa on 18 April 2017 attended by tribal chiefs and local dignitaries from Raqqa, SDF announced the official establishment of a civilian council to govern Raqqa city after it is captured. During the meeting of delegates including representatives from Arabs, Kurds and Turkmen; co-chairs Layla Mohammed and Mahmoud Shawakh al-Busran[500] were elected and 14 committees were established. SDF stated that a military council to provide security to the city after its capture will be formed soon.[501][502][503][504][505] On 20 April, the new civilian council also began to operate in the areas of Tabqa, handling the distribution of food to local villagers.[506]

On 15 May 2017, an agreement was made to establish a 'Tabqa Civilian Assembly'. This assembly will be temporary as a broader assembly will be established with councils following the return of residents.[507]

On 17 May 2017, the Raqqa Internal Security Forces (RISF) were established as new police unit, with the first training course being set up in Ayn Issa; their purpose is to provide law and order in the areas captured from ISIL during the campaign. As native police, the RISF is supposed to be expanded to at least 3,000 members.[508]

On 20 October, SDF declared that Raqqa and its province will decide its own future "within the framework of a decentralised, federal, democratic Syria". They pledged to protect Raqqa province from external threats and hand over control to a civil council from the city.[509] In a ceremony on the same day, SDF handed over administration of Raqqa city to the civil council while the 3,000-strong United States-trained police force was tasked with governance and security.[510]

### IDP camp and informal settlement

[edit]

Food, goods and resources have become rare in Raqqa due to clashes, while lives are also at risk from fightings and coalition's bombings.[511] Also, a number of IDP camps and settlement have been set up across northern Syria.[512]

### Tensions and insurgency

[edit]

On 25 March 2018, protests erupted in Mansoura after a leader of the Bukahmis tribe was arrested by the SDF. Protesters burned tires, and SDF fighters opened fire. The tribal leader was released on the same day. Following the protests, an SDF YPG intelligence officer was killed and his body was dumped on a road near Mansoura. It is unclear if his assassination was related to the protests.[513][514] After the conclusion of the campaign, the SDF was faced with a continued insurgency by ISIL.

## Gallery

[edit]

* A YPJ sniper during the offensive on 13 November 2016

* A SDF technical in a village captured from ISIL on 15 November 2016

* Refugees return to their hometown of Al-Hisbah, after the SDF captured it from ISIL.

* SDF technicals in the northwestern countryside on 12 December 2016

* Temporary camp of the SDF near Mahmudli on 17 December 2016

* Fighters of the Tell Abyad Revolutionaries Brigade and the YPG warm themselves at a campfire.

* Kurdish YPG fighters during the offensive on 24 December 2016

* The town of Mahmudli on 4 January 2017, three days after its capture by the SDF

* SDF fighters in Mahmudli on 4 January 2017

* SDF fighters at Qal'at Ja'bar on 10 January 2017

* SDF fighters in front of Qal'at Ja'bar on 10 January 2017

* A Kurdish fighter fits a SDF flag on a Guardian armored personnel carrier supplied by the US.

* An MT-LB of the SDF during the offensive

* YPJ fighters on 7 February 2017

* Deir Ezzor Military Council fighters on 9 March 2017

* A YPG sniper near the Euphrates

* A SDF T-55 during the offensive

* Toyota Hilux and other vehicles of the YPG and YPJ near Tabqa, 9 April 2017

* SDF fighters in Tabqa, 13 May 2017

* HAT (Asayish SWAT) in Tabqa, 13 May 2017

* SDF MRAP and pickup truck in Raqqa, 8 June 2017

* A SDF fighter in combat in Raqqa city, 8 June 2017

* SDF fighters walk through a destroyed area in the suburbs of Raqqa, 13 June 2017

* The United States Marine Corps provides fire support to the SDF, 21 July 2017

* YJÊ fighters in Raqqa, 12 July

* YJÊ fighters in Raqqa, 12 July

* SDF fighters in Raqqa's downtown, 12 July

* SDF fighters in Raqqa, 12 July

* An anarchist fighter from IRPGF in the suburbs of Raqqa, 21 July 2017

## See also

[edit]

* Asia portal

* Al-Thawrah District, a district of Raqqa Governorate in which the Second, Third, and Fourth Phases of this campaign have taken place.
* Cities and towns during the Syrian Civil War
* Turkish military intervention in Syria
* Battle of Aleppo (2012–2016)
* Raqqa campaign (2012–2013)
* Battle of Raqqa (March 2013)
* 2014 Eastern Syria offensive
* Siege of Deir ez-Zor (2014–2017)
* Siege of Kobanî
* Tell Abyad offensive
* Tishrin Dam offensive
* Al-Shaddadi offensive (2016)
* Manbij offensive
* Battle of Sirte (2016)
* Southern Syrian Desert campaign (December 2016 – April 2017)
* Battle of Marawi
* Deir ez-Zor campaign (2017–2019)
* Battle of Baghuz Fawqani

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ Most leftist foreign volunteers fight as part of the YPG,[2] though some have also formed independent units, such as the Antifascist International Tabur[3] and the IRPGF, or joined the International Freedom Battalion. The latter is a larger unit, mostly composed of Kurdish and Turkish communists.[4]
2. ^ 1,500 volunteers from villages captured by the SDF during phase one;[56] 1,000 volunteers from villages captured during phase two,[55] 750 volunteers from villages captured during phase three,[28] 200 more joined in April[57]
3. ^ First Phase: 185 killed;"Syrian Democratic Forces launch second phase of Raqqa Operation - ARA News". Archived from the original on 2016-12-13. Retrieved 2016-12-10.
Second Phase: 536 killed, 12 captured;"Over 530 ISIS jihadists killed, 133 villages liberated in the second phase of the Raqqa campaign - ARA News". Archived from the original on 2017-01-17. Retrieved 2017-03-23.
Third Phase: 377 killed, 8 captured;"YPG made January and February outcomes clear | ANHA". Archived from the original on 2017-03-05.[1]
Fourth Phase: 500+ killed, 8 captured;"At least 311 ISIS jihadists killed by SDF fire in military campaign to liberate Raqqa's northern countryside - ARA News". Archived from the original on 2017-07-01. Retrieved 2017-06-18.[2]
Fifth Phase: 1,786 killed, 10 captured;[3][4][5]
Total of 3,784+ reported killed and 38 captured

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b J.O (5 February 2017). "Self-defense fighters join Wrath of Euphrates". Hawar News Agency. Archived from the original on 6 February 2017. Retrieved 5 February 2017.
2. ^ Harp (2017), pp. 43–49.
3. ^ Harp (2017), p. 49.
4. ^ Deniz, Sinan (13 November 2016). "'Raqqa's fall will bring the end of Erdoğan'". ANF News. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
5. ^ a b Kajjo, Sirwan (21 December 2016). "Kurdish-Arab Forces in Syria Make Gains in Raqqa Province". Voice of America.
6. ^ Swinford, Steven (25 December 2016). "Operation Raqqa: British RAF pilots to switch bombing raids to 'the heart' of Isil". The Telegraph. The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 2022-01-12. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
7. ^ Volkmar Kabisch; Reiko Pinkert (29 March 2017). "Zivile Opfer in Syrien. Bundeswehr in verheerenden Luftschlag involviert". Tagesschau (Germany) (in German). Retrieved 29 March 2017.
8. ^ a b "Did Kurdistan's Counter-Terrorist Group assault the Tabqa Dam in Syria? – SOFREP". 23 March 2017.
9. ^ a b "Syrian army advances west of Raqqa: Hezbollah military media unit". Reuters. 13 June 2017. Retrieved 13 June 2017.
10. ^ a b c Mamo, Hozan (18 February 2017). "Russia bombs ISIS positions in Raqqa". ARA News. Archived from the original on 19 February 2017. Retrieved 18 February 2017.
11. ^ a b "2017 Balance Sheet of War – Syrian Democratic Forces". 3 January 2018. Archived from the original on 3 May 2019. Retrieved 8 February 2018.
12. ^ "قوات سوريا الديمقراطية تحرز تقدماً جديداً وترفع إلى 48 عدد القرى والمزارع المسيطر عليها".
13. ^ a b "Wrath of Euphrates progressing, 110 villages liberated till now". Hawar News Agency. 1 January 2017. Archived from the original on 2 January 2017. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
14. ^ a b Angus McDowall; Suleiman Al-Khalidi (26 March 2017). "U.S.-backed forces capture Islamic State-held airport near Euphrates dam". Reuters. Retrieved 26 March 2017.
15. ^ a b Issa, Philip (26 March 2017). "US-backed Forces Capture Syrian Air Base From IS". The Associated Press. Bloomberg L.P. Retrieved 26 March 2017.
16. ^ a b "US-backed forces seize Syria's Tabqa, dam from ISIS". Agence-France Presse. Al-Arabiya. 10 May 2017. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
17. ^ Francis, Ellen (10 May 2017). "U.S.-backed Syria militias say Tabqa, dam captured from Islamic State". Reuters.
18. ^ a b "U.S.-backed Syrian forces seize dam west of Raqqa from Islamic State: SDF". Reuters. 4 June 2017.
19. ^ Antonopoulos, Paul (10 February 2017). "Video: Kurdish-led forces only 5km from the ISIS capital of Raqqa after rapid offensive". Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
20. ^ "Department of Defense Press Briefing by Col. Dorrian via teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq". U.S. Department of Defense. 15 March 2017.
21. ^ Wladimir van Wilgenburg (18 March 2017). "Kurdish YPG leader says attack on Raqqa city to start in April". ARA News. Archived from the original on March 18, 2017.
22. ^ "SDF commander: The Ayn Issa front advanced to Raqqa by 10km". Hawar News Agency. 6 November 2016. Archived from the original on 16 November 2016. Retrieved 6 November 2016.
23. ^ Omar, Enwer (26 December 2016). "Kurdish female fighters playing key role in battle for Raqqa". ARA News. Archived from the original on 2 January 2017. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
24. ^ "Wrath of Euphrates Operations Room, commandant Rojda Felat, Northern Raqqa". YPG. 10 December 2016. Archived from the original on 2 January 2017. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
25. ^ a b c "550 km2 liberated, Wrath of Euphrates reveals outcomes". Hawar News Agency. 14 November 2016. Archived from the original on 14 November 2016.
26. ^ "A military commander "we will besiege gangs on all sides"". Hawar News Agency. 7 November 2016. Archived from the original on 2017-05-12. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
27. ^ Haci, Heysem (5 February 2017). "More Arab fighters join Kurdish-led SDF in fight for Raqqa". ARA News. Archived from the original on February 5, 2017.
28. ^ a b "Wrath of Euphrates: campaign successfully advances, 98 villages, hamlets liberated". Hawar News Agency. 12 February 2017. Archived from the original on 13 February 2017. Retrieved 12 February 2017.
29. ^ Correspondent, Barbara Starr, CNN Pentagon (29 December 2016). "US aware of recent Baghdadi movements". CNN. `{{cite web}}`: `|last=` has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
30. ^ "Iraqi airstrikes hit ISIS leaders, al-Baghdadi's fate unknown". ARA News. 14 February 2017. Archived from the original on February 13, 2017.
31. ^ a b Kino, Sadredin (27 December 2016). "ISIS commander of Raqqa killed in US airstrike". ARA News. Archived from the original on December 28, 2016.
32. ^ a b c "U.S.-backed force in Syria advances towards IS-held dam". Reuters. 27 December 2016. Retrieved 27 December 2016.
33. ^ a b c Mustafa, Haytham (31 December 2016). "Islamic State replaces Syrian officials by foreign jihadists in Raqqa". ARA News. Archived from the original on 1 January 2017. Retrieved 31 December 2016.
34. ^ "US airstrike kills ISIS propaganda chief in Raqqa". ARA News. 7 January 2017. Archived from the original on 11 November 2017. Retrieved 7 January 2017.
35. ^ Joscelyn, Thomas (17 November 2016). "US-led coalition killed emir of Islamic State's 'Middle East external networks'". The Long War Journal. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
36. ^ Chew, Amy (15 January 2017). "Three Malaysian ISIS jihadists killed in Raqqa airstrike". Channel NewsAsia. Archived from the original on 17 January 2017. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
37. ^ Tabler (2017), pp. 2, 3.
38. ^ a b Tomson, Chris (6 November 2016). "Kurdish forces capture first batch of villages from ISIS in campaign to liberate Raqqa". Almasdar News. Archived from the original on 29 November 2016. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
39. ^ "30,000 militants to isolate Raqqa city from its northern countryside". 6 November 2016.
40. ^ "International coalition: 40,000 fighters prepared to isolate Raqqa". 4 November 2016.
41. ^ a b Omar, Enwer (12 February 2017). "Syrian Democratic Forces seize more ground east Raqqa amid ISIS retreat". ARA News. Archived from the original on 28 October 2017. Retrieved 12 February 2017.
42. ^ "Rebel force targets IS 'capital' Raqqa". Zaman Alwsl. 6 November 2016.
43. ^ "Syrian Arab women battle IS, social stigma". Zaman Alwsl. 10 January 2017.
44. ^ "Syrian rebels announce offensive to retake Raqqa". Al Jazeera. 6 November 2016.
45. ^ a b "3,000 Arab fighters to be deployed under SDF banner for Raqqa battle". Rudaw. 2 February 2017.
46. ^ "The Elite Teams are joining the Wrath of Euphrates". Hawar News Agency. 7 March 2017. Archived from the original on 15 July 2017. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
47. ^ "Elite forces withdraw from the fighting fronts with democratic Syrian forces". Al-Etihad Press. 14 April 2017. Archived from the original on 17 June 2017. Retrieved 9 June 2017. "The source also said that "the leadership of the Elite Forces said earlier that more 3,000 fighters will be involved in the battle to liberate Raqqa, but upon arrival at the Tel Abyad area, it became clear that the number of Elite Forces did not exceed 650 fighters, mostly members of the Shaitat of Deir ez-Zour."
48. ^ "Al-Sanadid Forces join the Operation Wrath of Euphrates". ANF News. 14 November 2016.
49. ^ "Abu Khoula: SDF's advance east of al-Raqqa prepares for Deir ez-Zor liberation". Hawar News Agency. 18 February 2017. Archived from the original on 9 March 2017. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
50. ^ "'We must defend ourselves': Christian fighters on warpath in Raqqa". Middle East Eye.
51. ^ "Shams al-Shamal fighters participating in Wrath of Euphrates". Hawar News Agency. 2 January 2017. Archived from the original on 23 August 2017. Retrieved 2 January 2017.
52. ^ a b Wladimir van Wilgenburg (18 April 2017). "200 fighters from Manbij to join Raqqa operation, SDF gets closer to Tabqa centre". ARA News. Archived from the original on 19 April 2017. Retrieved 18 April 2017.
53. ^ a b "مجلس منبج العسكري سيشارك بـ2200 مقاتل في تحرير الرقة". Manbij FM. 24 May 2017. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
54. ^ "Aylina Kılıç on Twitter".
55. ^ a b "SDF: 2480 square kilometers liberated during Phase II of Raqqa Campaign". YPG Rojava. Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2017.
56. ^ "Another group of liberated villages citizens joined SDF". Hawar News Agency. 12 January 2017. Archived from the original on 10 October 2017. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
57. ^ "200 more youths from Raqqa join the Operation Wrath of Euphrates". ANF News. 1 April 2017. Archived from the original on 2 April 2017. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
58. ^ a b "US to deploy 200 more troops for Raqqa offensive". Al Jazeera. 10 December 2016.
59. ^ "IS conflict: US sends Marines to support Raqqa assault". BBC News. 9 March 2017.
60. ^ Correspondent, Barbara Starr, CNN Pentagon (8 March 2017). "US Marines join local forces fighting in Raqqa". CNN. `{{cite web}}`: `|last=` has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
61. ^ a b Dan Lamothe; Thomas Gibbons-Neff (8 March 2017). "Marines have arrived in Syria to fire artillery in the fight for Raqqa". The Washington Post. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
62. ^ "French military says coalition opposed IS withdrawal from Raqqa". Reuters. 16 November 2017.
63. ^ "Les forces alliées gagnent du terrain à Raqqa". 9 June 2017.
64. ^ "En Syrie, la guerre très spéciale de la France". Le Monde.fr. 8 May 2018.
65. ^ Harp (2017), p. 44.
66. ^ Todenhöfer, Jürgen (27 November 2015). "I know Isis fighters. Western bombs falling on Raqqa will fill them with joy". The Guardian.
67. ^ "The Weekly Review: Sunday 29 November 2015 – Oasis Waterloo Hub". Archived from the original on 9 October 2017. Retrieved 26 February 2017.
68. ^ "Most Indian youngsters who joined terror outfit ISIS are based in Raqqa: Report". 5 November 2016.
69. ^ "3 maps that show why it won't be easy defeating ISIS". Business Insider.
70. ^ a b Seldin, Jeff (27 January 2017). "Islamic State Losing Ground, Still Using Key Supply Routes". Voice of America.
71. ^ "In the first response from the leadership to "the Military Amir of Raqqa", about 200 Syrian fighters arrive from Iraq to Raqqa". SOHR. 25 November 2016.
72. ^ "SDF fighters liberated children exploited by ISIS". Hawar News Agency. 18 January 2017. Archived from the original on 9 August 2017. Retrieved 19 January 2017.
73. ^ Antonopoulos, Paul (18 January 2017). "Video: Kurdish-led forces capture ISIS child soldiers near Raqqa". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 19 January 2017.
74. ^ "Strong clashes in Makmen and Khanez fronts". Hawar News Agency. 7 February 2017. Archived from the original on 11 August 2017. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
75. ^ U.S.-backed forces celebrate fall of ISIS 'capital,' Raqqa
76. ^ "U.S. General: Senior ISIS Leaders 'are Hiding from the Coalition". National Gun Forum. November 2017.
77. ^ "US service member killed in blast in Syria". 25 November 2016.
78. ^ "French soldier killed in Iraq-Syria military zone, Élysée Palace says". 23 September 2017.
79. ^ "Top US official calls ISIS a 'pathetic and a lost cause' after mass surrender of militants at Raqqa". Business Insider. 18 October 2017. Retrieved 19 October 2017.
80. ^ SDF advance in northern Raqqa after surprise attack on ISIS
81. ^ "More than 3200 civilians and fighters were killed in 4 months of the grand battle of Al-Raqqah city and declaration of control continue to be delayed due to the undergoing sweep".
82. ^ "Coalition strikes 'killing civilians by the hundreds' in Raqqa". The New Arab. 25 May 2017.
83. ^ "5,000 displaced since start of Raqqa offensive: SDF". The Daily Star.
84. ^ "Over 2,000 civilians flee Raqqa into SDF-held areas". 22 March 2017. Archived from the original on March 22, 2017.
85. ^ Ltd, Australian News Channel Pty. "Thousands flee IS-held Tabqa, Syria". Archived from the original on 2017-10-19. Retrieved 2017-04-04.
86. ^ "Raqqa Civilian Council calls for aid for 100,000 IDPs from ISIS-held areas". ARA News. 28 April 2017. Archived from the original on April 29, 2017.
87. ^ "200,000 flee Raqqa ahead of assault by Syrian forces". The New Arab. 2 June 2017.
88. ^ Davison, John (11 April 2017). "U.S.-backed forces push back Islamic State in Raqqa campaign – officials". Reuters.
89. ^ "Syria's last battle? Big push on ISIS capital Raqqa gathers momentum". AW.
90. ^ Kajjo, Sirwan (21 December 2016). "Kurdish-Arab Forces in Syria Make Gains in Raqqa Province".
91. ^ "Allies Resist US Plan to Attack Raqqa". Voice of America. 28 October 2016.
92. ^ "Raqqa Fight Starting 'Soon,' Isolation Operation to Include YPG". Voice of America. 27 October 2016.
93. ^ "Syria's U.S.-backed SDF says no to Turkish role in Raqqa operation". Reuters. 3 November 2016.
94. ^ "Forces push deeper into key IS-held northern town Samachar Today". Samachar Today. 27 September 2016. Archived from the original on 27 February 2017. Retrieved 26 February 2017.
95. ^ McKay, Hollie (3 November 2016). "Mass exodus as ISIS fighters, families flee Mosul for Raqqa". Fox News.
96. ^ "US-backed Syrian forces begin Raqqa offensive". Al-Arabiya. 6 November 2016.
97. ^ "US-backed forces launch bid to capture IS Syria 'capital'". Al Monitor. 6 November 2016.
98. ^ General Command of the Democratic Forces of Syria (SDF) (6 November 2016). "Democratic Forces of Syria launch Operation Wrath of Euphrates to liberate Raqqa". Archived from the original on 12 March 2019. Retrieved 10 November 2016.
99. ^ "Statement by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on Raqqa". U.S. Department of Defense. 6 November 2016.
100. ^ "Morale is high among anti-Islamic State fighters marching on Raqqa". Middle East Eye. 6 November 2016.
101. ^ "Syrian Democratic Forces report first gains in Raqqa operation, capture 11 villages". ARA News. 8 November 2016. Archived from the original on November 9, 2016.
102. ^ Tomson, Chris (11 November 2016). "Syrian Democratic Forces overrun ISIS bastion north of Raqqa". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
103. ^ "Continued clashes in Raqqa countryside". SOHR. 12 November 2016.
104. ^ "Continued clashes and SDF advance in 33 villages". SOHR. 14 November 2016.
105. ^ "IS attacks SDF in Raqqa countryside". SOHR. 14 November 2016.
106. ^ Tomson, Chris (16 November 2016). "Kurdish forces capture another village in push towards Raqqa city". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
107. ^ "An explosion in Tal Abyad town and clashes in the vicinity of Tal al-Samn". SOHR. 15 November 2016.
108. ^ "YPG sdf us forces New advancement in about 10 areas in the countryside of Raqqa within the operation of isolating the city from its countryside". SOHR. 15 November 2016.
109. ^ "Controlling Tal al-Samn area north of Raqqa raises the number of areas controlled by The Syria Democratic Forces of "Euphrates Wrath" to 47". SOHR. 19 November 2016.
110. ^ "SDF fighters completely liberate Tal Saman". Hawar News Agency. 19 November 2016. Archived from the original on 21 November 2016. Retrieved 20 November 2016.
111. ^ a b "Raqqa will mark Islamic State's downfall". Asia Times. 20 November 2016.
112. ^ "The Syria Democratic Forces raise the number of villages and farms controlled to 48, Coalition bombards north of Raqqa". SOHR. 21 November 2016.
113. ^ "School students demonstrate against imposing Kurdish books in Hasakah". SOHR. 21 November 2016.
114. ^ "Continued clashes between IS and SDF in Raqqa". SOHR. 23 November 2016.
115. ^ Tomson, Chris (24 November 2016). "Breaking: US soldier dies due to ISIS booby trap in northern Syria". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 4 April 2019. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
116. ^ "200 ISIS members arrive to Syria's Raqqa: rights group". 26 November 2016.
117. ^ a b "Violent clashes in the vicinity of Tal Sawwanah area and in the northern countryside of Raqqa". SOHR. 26 November 2016.
118. ^ "IS regained control of water pump/station near Kaltah in north Raqqa countryside following clashes with SDF yesterday". Syria Live Map. 27 November 2016.
119. ^ a b Joscelyn, Thomas (13 December 2016). "Pentagon: 2 Paris attack facilitators killed in US airstrike in Raqqa, Syria". Long War Journal.
120. ^ "US airstrike killed militant linked to Charlie Hebdo attack". Business Standard. 10 December 2016.
121. ^ "Islamic State militant linked to Charlie Hebdo attack could still be alive: Iraq". Reuters. 15 April 2017.
122. ^ "Jihan Ahmad: Second phase of the Raqqa campaign due to start". Hawar News Agency. 27 November 2016. Archived from the original on 28 November 2016. Retrieved 27 November 2016.
123. ^ "Five Kurdish fighters killed by ISIS fire north Raqqa". ARA News. 30 November 2016. Archived from the original on November 30, 2016.
124. ^ Kajjo, Sirwan (20 November 2016). "2 Top IS Commanders Reportedly Flee Raqqa". VOA News.
125. ^ "Paris attack planners among 3 ISIS fighters killed in drone strike, Pentagon says". Fox News. 4 December 2016.
126. ^ "Over 1,000 new fighters join Syrian Democratic Forces in fight for Raqqa". ARA News. 10 December 2016. Archived from the original on December 11, 2016.
127. ^ a b "Syrian Democratic Forces launch second phase of Raqqa Operation". ARA News. 10 December 2016. Archived from the original on 13 December 2016.
128. ^ "Coalition warplanes target the northern countryside again, and the regime forces shell al-Vgeh in the countryside of Daraa after advancement of the factions". SOHR. 10 December 2016.
129. ^ "SDF: Phase 2 of Raqqa campaign begins, sights set on al-Tabqa dam". Rudaw. 10 December 2016.
130. ^ "Wrath of Euphrates liberates 6 villages". Hawar News Agency. 11 December 2016. Archived from the original on 13 December 2016. Retrieved 11 December 2016.
131. ^ a b "Kurdish-Arab alliance captures new areas in Raqqa, tells ISIS jihadists: "Surrender or Die"". ARA News. 13 December 2016. Archived from the original on December 14, 2016.
132. ^ "Two villages liberated in al-Raqqa". Hawar News Agency. 12 December 2016. Archived from the original on 12 December 2016. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
133. ^ "Ajaj and Safakhir villages freed". Hawar News Agency. 12 December 2016. Archived from the original on 12 December 2016. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
134. ^ "SDF advances in 2 villages over IS in Raqqa countryside". 13 December 2016.
135. ^ "Casualties and injuries in Deir Ezzor city and Syria Democratic Forces advance in the countryside of Raqqa". 14 December 2016.
136. ^ "Clashes in Deir Ezzor city and new advancement for the Syria Democratic Forces at the northern countryside of Raqqa". 15 December 2016.
137. ^ "SDF advances in 20 areas in Raqqa countryside". 15 December 2016.
138. ^ Yakovlev, Ivan (19 December 2016). "Syrian Democratic Forces reach Euphrates, besiege ISIS-held area". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 19 December 2016.
139. ^ "Clashes continue in Raqqa countryside between IS and SDF". 2016-12-17.
140. ^ "Syrian Democratic Forces capture new areas west Raqqa amid ISIS retreat". ARA News. 18 December 2016. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016.
141. ^ "Kurd-led forces press Islamic State near Syria's Raqqa". Reuters. 19 December 2016.
142. ^ "SDF advance in 40 villages in Raqqa countryside". 2016-12-20.
143. ^ "ISIL launched counter-offensive west to Raqqa and regained several villages: Sayqul(صايقول), Khirbat Al Jahsha(خربة الجحشة), Al Majibina(المجيبنة), Khirbat Al Baqra(خربة البقرة)". Syria Live Map. 19 December 2016.
144. ^ "ISIS attack thwarted, 9 mercenaries killed". Hawar News Agency. 19 December 2016. Archived from the original on 21 December 2016. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
145. ^ "US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces expel ISIS from 97 villages west Raqqa". ARA News. 21 December 2016. Archived from the original on 19 October 2017. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
146. ^ "SDF controlled Ja'bar historic castle and continues progress toward Raqqa". December 25, 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-12-25.
147. ^ a b c Shiwesh, Ahmed (27 December 2016). "Kurdish-led SDF forces expel ISIS from key town west Raqqa, kill over 50 jihadists". ARA News. Archived from the original on December 27, 2016. Retrieved 27 December 2016.
148. ^ "Warplanes raid on Deir Ezzor and its western countryside and clashes continue in the western countryside of Raqqa". 2016-12-22.
149. ^ "SDF Kurds have captured Jabah, Bir Shallal and Ghadban, but were pushed back by IS at Jabar in West Raqqa governate". Sytia Live Map. 22 December 2016.
150. ^ "SDF captured Jedi, Jabar villages and control Suwaydiya Saghirah. West Raqqa". Syria Live Map. 23 December 2016.
151. ^ "Wrath of Euphrates: 16 ISIS militants killed in heavy clashes". Hawar News Agency. 23 December 2016. Archived from the original on 23 December 2016. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
152. ^ "IS detonates 3 suicide cars in Raqqa countryside". SOHR. 23 December 2016.
153. ^ "Raqqa Campaign: Seven bomb-laden vehicles destroyed". Hawar News Agency. 23 December 2016. Archived from the original on 24 December 2016. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
154. ^ "The Syria Democratic Forces advance in the northern banks of the Euphrates River". SOHR. 24 December 2016.
155. ^ "At least 16 ISIS militants killed by SDF fire near Raqqa". ARA News. 24 December 2016. Archived from the original on December 24, 2016. Retrieved 24 December 2016.
156. ^ "Two more villages liberated in Raqqa following heavy clashes". ANF News. 24 December 2016.
157. ^ "SDF 5km from strategic Tabqa dam west of Raqqa". Rudaw. 25 December 2016.
158. ^ "The Syria Democratic Forces and US Special Forces are 5 km away from the Euphrates Dam, kill 25 members of the "Islamic State" at least". SOHR. 25 December 2016.
159. ^ "38 ISIS members killed amid severe clashes in Jabar and Hadaj villages". ANF News. 27 December 2016.
160. ^ "Indian national killed in Syria while fighting for ISIS". al-Masdar News. 28 December 2016. Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
161. ^ Antonopoulos, Paul (27 December 2016). "ISIS attacks Kurdish positions south of Kobani". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 27 December 2016.
162. ^ "A village liberated and 38 mercenaries killed". Hawar News Agency. 28 December 2016. Archived from the original on 29 December 2016. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
163. ^ "Coalition strike kills senior ISIS leader in Syria: US". The Daily Star. 6 January 2017.
164. ^ J.O (1 January 2017). "Wrath of Euphrates advances 6 km towards Til Samin". Hawar News Agency. Archived from the original on 2 January 2017. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
165. ^ "Syria Democratic Forces advance in the countryside of al-Tabaqa within "Euphrates Wrath" operation". January 2017.
166. ^ "Kurdish-led SDF announces liberation of 110 villages, death of 277 ISIS militants in fresh operations near Raqqa". ARA News. 1 January 2017. Archived from the original on 19 October 2017. Retrieved 2 January 2017.
167. ^ "Another strategic step in the Operation Wrath of Euphrates". ANF News. 1 January 2017. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
168. ^ "SDF fighters liberate three more Raqqa villages". Hawar News Agency. 3 January 2017. Archived from the original on 4 January 2017. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
169. ^ "Report: On Ayn Issa front SDF captured Nediye village from ISIL". Syria Live Map. 3 January 2017. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
170. ^ "On Ayn Issa front SDF recaptured Mayan village from ISIL". Syria Live Map. 3 January 2017. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
171. ^ Shiwesh, Ahmed (4 January 2017). "Syrian Democratic Forces seize more ground west Raqqa, push to ISIS capital". ARA News. Archived from the original on 19 October 2017. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
172. ^ "Ain Issa front: SDF captured villages Erbo, Dehlan, Arir, Swwillam, Khirbi Shekh Jiddi". Syria Live Map. 4 January 2017. Retrieved 5 January 2017.
173. ^ Kajjo, Sirwan (3 January 2017). "IS Tightens Internet Restrictions in Raqqa". Voice of America. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
174. ^ "Two villages and two hamlets liberated". Hawar News Agency. 5 January 2017. Archived from the original on 12 May 2017. Retrieved 6 January 2017.
175. ^ "US-backed Kurdish Forces Capture Historic Castle From IS Near Raqqa". Voice of America. 10 January 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
176. ^ Kajjo, Sirwan (6 January 2017). "US-backed Forces in Syria Target Strategic IS-held Dam". Voice of America. Retrieved 6 January 2017.
177. ^ "Kurdish-Arab forces seize strategic Syria citadel from IS". Agnce France-Presse. Yahoo! News. 6 January 2017. Archived from the original on 14 December 2017. Retrieved 6 January 2017.
178. ^ "IS moves prisoners as forces advance on Raqqa". Business Standard India. Business Standard. 6 January 2017. Retrieved 6 January 2017.
179. ^ "Eight villages, five hamlets liberated in Raqqa". Hawar News Agency. 6 January 2017. Archived from the original on 7 January 2017. Retrieved 6 January 2017.
180. ^ "Helicopters bomb Morek and continuous clashes in the countryside Ain Issa and the Syria Democratic Forces advance in the area". 2017-01-07.
181. ^ "ISIS strategic stronghold was liberated". Hawar News Agency. 6 January 2017. Archived from the original on 9 January 2017. Retrieved 6 January 2017.
182. ^ "The Syria Democratic Forces and US Special forces control a village north of al-Tabaqa and reach the outskirts of the strategic Dam of Euphrates". 2017-01-07.
183. ^ "Violent clashes in several areas near the Euphrates dam in the northern countryside of Raqqa". 2017-01-08.
184. ^ "Although the arrival of Turkish reinforcements to al-Bab and the "Euphrates Wrath" to the outskirts of Euphrates Dam… the "Islamic State" pulls more than 150 of its members towards the "Euphrates State"". 2017-01-08.
185. ^ a b Ensor, Josie (2017-01-09). "US special forces carry out secret ground raid against Isil in Syria, 'killing at least 25 jihadists'". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 2022-01-12.
186. ^ "SDF fighters liberate one village, three hamlets in Raqqa campaign". Hawar News Agency. 9 January 2017. Archived from the original on 12 January 2017. Retrieved 10 January 2017.
187. ^ "The "Islamic State" renews the counterattacks at the northern banks of Euphrates River". SOHR. 10 January 2017. Retrieved 11 January 2017.
188. ^ Adra, Zen (10 January 2017). "Isis fights back US-backed fighters in northern Syria, captures historical castle". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2017.
189. ^ Fadel, Leith (10 January 2017). "[Graphic 18+] ISIS claims to have killed 70+ Kurdish fighters in west Raqqa". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2017.
190. ^ "Raqqa offensive: Flood fears as SDF forces near Islamic State-held dam". Middle East Eye. 12 January 2017. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
191. ^ "Third phase of Raqqa campaign announced". Rudaw. 4 February 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
192. ^ "ISIS attack repelled, 6 hamlets liberated". Hawar News Agency. 11 January 2017. Archived from the original on 13 January 2017. Retrieved 11 January 2017.
193. ^ "Two SDF fronts meet northwest of Raqqa, continue push for city". Rudaw. 11 January 2017. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
194. ^ "التقاء المحورين يمهّد لتحرير الطبقة" (in Arabic). Hawar News Agency. 12 January 2017. Archived from the original on 14 January 2017. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
195. ^ "45 villages, 20 hamlets liberated in Raqqa campaign". Hawar News Agency. 13 January 2017. Archived from the original on 16 January 2017. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
196. ^ "SDF fighters liberate Odyan village in Raqqa campaign". Hawar News Agency. 14 January 2017. Archived from the original on 16 January 2017. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
197. ^ "Clashes in several areas in the countryside of Raqqa and aerial bombing on the countryside of Hama". 14 January 2017.
198. ^ SDF progressing to Big Suaydiya village near Tabqa Dam Syria Live Map. 15 January 2017
199. ^ "The "Islamic State" organization is trying to regain areas they lost within the "Euphrates Wrath" operations". SOHR. 15 January 2017. Retrieved 15 January 2017.
200. ^ "ISIS attack thwarted in al-Raqqa". Hawar News Agency. 15 January 2017. Archived from the original on 15 January 2017. Retrieved 15 January 2017.
201. ^ "Syria Democratic Forces advance in the countryside of Raqqa and continuous clashes in several areas". SOHR. 15 January 2017. Retrieved 15 January 2017.
202. ^ "قصف جوي يستهدف الباب واشتباكات عند الضفاف الشمالية لنهر الفرات" (in Arabic). SOHR. 15 January 2017. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
203. ^ "Raqqa tribes declare support for SDF – ANHA". Archived from the original on 2017-01-21. Retrieved 2017-01-22.
204. ^ "Afarin Mamosta on Twitter".
205. ^ "Violent clashes in the northern countryside of al-Tabaqa and shells target al-Fu'aa". SOHR. 17 January 2017. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
206. ^ "Kurdish-led SDF repel aggressive ISIS attack". Rudaw. 17 January 2017. Retrieved 20 January 2017.
207. ^ Haci, Siber (20 January 2017). "ISIS attacks YPG security centre west Raqqa, scores of Kurdish fighters killed". ARA News. Archived from the original on 10 October 2017. Retrieved 20 January 2017.
208. ^ Antonopoulos, Paul (19 January 2017). "ISIS attacks YPG security center near Raqqa, many casualties reported". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2017.
209. ^ "The Syria Democratic Forces achieve a new advancement in the countryside of Raqqa and shelling renewed on the Eastern Ghouta". SOHR. 20 January 2017. Retrieved 20 January 2017.
210. ^ "SDF forces expel ISIS from strategic town near Raqqa, advance towards Tabqa Dam". ARA News. 23 January 2017. Archived from the original on 25 January 2017.
211. ^ "The Syria Democratic Forces and US Special Forces are making a significant advancement towards the Euphrates Dam and near it, and seek to secure their way towards it". SOHR. 22 January 2017.
212. ^ Mohammad Abdulssattar Ibrahim; Tariq Adely (23 January 2017). "'If the Euphrates River rises any more, it will submerge huge swathes of agricultural land': Islamic State opens turbines of Syria's largest dam". SYRIA:direct. Archived from the original on 7 February 2019. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
213. ^ a b c Sjoholm, John (8 February 2017). "Trump's Middle Eastern War, A Bay of Pigs in the making". Lima Charlie. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
214. ^ "7 SDF fighters were killed in battles at the western and northern countryside of Raqqa". SOHR. 24 January 2017. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
215. ^ "Casualties in violent counter attacks in the western countryside of Raqqa". SOHR. 25 January 2017. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
216. ^ "Clashes continue in Raqqa and Aerial bombardment targets Der-Ezzor". SOHR. 26 January 2017. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
217. ^ "IS advances in Tabaqa countryside". SOHR. 25 January 2017. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
218. ^ "SDF fighters seize ammunition amid foiling attacks". Hawar News Agency. 25 January 2017. Archived from the original on 16 August 2017. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
219. ^ "Kurd-led Syrian militia says Trump sent it armoured vehicles". Middle East Eye. 31 January 2017.
220. ^ "Intense raids target bridges in Raqqa and information about cutting off the water of the "Islamic State" organization's stronghold in Syria". SOHR. 3 February 2017. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
221. ^ "Raqqa water supply restored after air strike". Zaman al Wasl. 3 February 2017. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
222. ^ D.H. (3 February 2017). "Coalition warplanes target areas of Raqqa Countryside". Hawar News Agency. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
223. ^ "251 fighters join the SDF ranks after training". Hawar News Agency. 3 February 2017. Archived from the original on 16 August 2017. Retrieved 5 February 2017.
224. ^ "Wrath of Euphrates declares 3rd stage of al-Raqqa liberation". Hawar News Agency. 4 February 2017. Archived from the original on 7 February 2017. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
225. ^ "SDF make advance northeast of Raqqa, airstrikes destroy bridges south of the city". Rudaw. 4 February 2017. Retrieved 5 February 2017.
226. ^ "Wrath of Euphrates advancing 19 km, 2 villages and a hamlet liberated". Hawar News Agency. 5 February 2017. Archived from the original on 14 June 2017. Retrieved 5 February 2017.
227. ^ "Fighting operations of "Euphrates Wrath" continue in the northeastern countryside of Raqqa and more advancement for the Syria Democratic Forces". 5 February 2017.
228. ^ "US coalition jets blast IS-held Syrian town near Euphrates dam". Middle East Eye. 5 February 2017. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
229. ^ "Wrath of Euphrates: a village liberated, dozens of ISIS killed". Hawar News Agency. 6 February 2017. Archived from the original on 11 August 2017. Retrieved 6 February 2017.
230. ^ "نحو 10 قتلى خلال تقدم قوات سوريا الديمقراطية في ريف الرقة الشمالي الشرقي" (in Arabic). SOHR. 6 February 2017. Retrieved 6 February 2017.
231. ^ J.O. (7 February 2017). "Mishrafa village liberated after violent clashes". Hawar News Agency. Archived from the original on 8 February 2018. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
232. ^ D.H. (7 February 2017). "Strong clashes in Makmen and Khanez fronts". Hawar News Agency. Archived from the original on 11 August 2017. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
233. ^ "ملخص الرقة اليومي 7-2-2017" (in Arabic). Step News Agency. 7 February 2017. Archived from the original on 19 October 2017. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
234. ^ "The Campaign to Retake Raqqa Is Accelerating". The Washington Institute.
235. ^ "Clashes continue in Raqqa countryside between SDF and IS". SOHR. 7 February 2017. Retrieved 6 February 2017.
236. ^ J.O. (9 February 2017). "ISIS attacks foiled on northeast of al-Tabqa Dam". Hawar News Agency. Archived from the original on 11 August 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
237. ^ J.O. (9 February 2017). "Al-Raqqa is encircled from 3 axes by Wrath of Euphrates". Hawar News Agency. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
238. ^ "SDF forces make new gains north of Raqqa as ISIS retreats: spokeswoman". Zaman al-Wasl. 8 February 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
239. ^ D.H. (8 February 2017). "Wrath of Euphrates is 11km away from al-Raqqa". Hawar News Agency. Archived from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
240. ^ "Raqqa campaign: Sninh village liberated". Hawar News Agency. 9 February 2017. Archived from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
241. ^ ""قسد" تسيطر على قرية جديدة شرق الرقة" (in Arabic). ARA News. 9 February 2017. Archived from the original on February 9, 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
242. ^ "قوات سوريا الديمقراطية تتقدم ضمن المرحلة الثالثة من عملية "غضب الفرات"" (in Arabic). Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. 10 February 2017. Retrieved 11 February 2017.
243. ^ "Mulihan and Badraniye villages liberation – ANHA". Archived from the original on 2017-02-12. Retrieved 2017-02-11.
244. ^ "Raqqa campaign: Khaniz and Makman fronts meet". Hawar News Agency. 11 February 2017. Archived from the original on 13 February 2017. Retrieved 11 February 2017.
245. ^ "Airstrikes targets Raqqa countryside with attempts to reduce the advancement distance towards Raqqa city". SOHR. 12 February 2017. Retrieved 12 February 2017.
246. ^ "Violent attacks by the "Islamic State" organization at the Euphrates banks in the northern countryside of al-Tabaqa result in its advance at the expense of Syria Democratic Forces". SOHR. 13 February 2017. Retrieved 13 February 2017.
247. ^ Fadel, Leith (13 February 2017). "ISIS launches massive counter-offensive in western Raqqa". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2017.
248. ^ "The "Islamic State" organization carries out a counter attack northeast Al-Raqqah city to keep forces of "Euphrates Wrath" away of its stronghold in Syria". SOHR. 13 February 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
249. ^ "The "Islamic State" organization attacks sites of the Syria Democratic Forces in the countryside of Al-Hasakah and fighting continues in the countryside of Al-Raqqah". SOHR. 16 February 2017. Retrieved 17 February 2017.
250. ^ "Second step of Operation Wrath of Euphrates launched in third phase". ANHA. 17 February 2017. Archived from the original on 18 February 2017. Retrieved 17 February 2017.
251. ^ "Kurdish forces overrun two ISIS-held villages north of Deir Ezzor". Al-Masdar News. 17 February 2017. Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 17 February 2017.
252. ^ "Joyce village liberated, a bomb-laden vehicle destroyed". Hawar News Agency. 18 February 2017. Archived from the original on 19 February 2017. Retrieved 18 February 2017.
253. ^ "Operation Wrath of Euphates fighters liberate Şiwêhan village". Hawar News Agency. 18 February 2017. Archived from the original on 19 February 2017. Retrieved 18 February 2017.
254. ^ Tomson, Chris (2017-02-18). "Kurdish forces liberate prison on the outskirts of Raqqa city". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 2018-11-30. Retrieved 2017-02-19.
255. ^ Tomson, Chris (2017-02-18). "US Airforce propels the Syrian Democratic Forces to capture three villages from ISIS". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 2018-11-30. Retrieved 2017-02-19.
256. ^ "Wrath of Euphrates:2 villages were liberated, 20 km advanced forward". Hawar News Agency. 2017-02-20. Archived from the original on 2017-02-21. Retrieved 2017-02-20.
257. ^ "Makman-al-Raqqa road was cut and a new village liberated". Hawar News Agency. 2017-02-20. Archived from the original on 2017-02-21. Retrieved 2017-02-20.
258. ^ "Operation Wrath of Euphrates: Fighters liberate base station". Hawar News Agency. 2017-02-20. Archived from the original on 2017-02-21. Retrieved 2017-02-20.
259. ^ "Operation Wrath of Euphates: Terfawî village liberated". Hawar News Agency. 2017-02-20. Archived from the original on 2017-02-21. Retrieved 2017-02-20.
260. ^ "Violent clashes in Al-Raqqah countryside lead to new advancement for Syria Democratic Forces". SOHR. 20 February 2017. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
261. ^ "Warplanes carried out a massacre in the stronghold of the "Islamic State" organization and the Syria Democratic Forces continue advancing in the eastern countryside of Al-Raqqah". SOHR. 20 February 2017. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
262. ^ "Bîr Adman village liberated". Hawar News Agency. 2017-02-20. Archived from the original on 2017-06-14. Retrieved 2017-02-20.
263. ^ "Operation Wrath of Euphrates: Quwaytar village liberated". Hawar News Agency. 2017-02-21. Retrieved 2017-02-21.
264. ^ "Abu Wahi village liberated in Raqqa campaign". Hawar News Agency. 2017-02-21. Retrieved 2017-02-21.
265. ^ "Heavy clashes in Big Siwêdiya village". ANHA. 2017-02-20. Archived from the original on 2017-06-14. Retrieved 2017-02-20.
266. ^ "Wrath of Euphrates progresses, the two wings would meet". Hawar News Agency. 2017-02-22. Retrieved 2017-02-22.
267. ^ "Wrath of Euphrates: two other villages liberated". Hawar News Agency. 2017-02-22. Retrieved 2017-02-22.
268. ^ "YPJ commander: Our forces cut the road to Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor". Hawar News Agency. 2017-02-22. Archived from the original on 2017-06-14. Retrieved 2017-02-22.
269. ^ "US-backed alliance enters Deir Az Zor province". Al-Jazeera. 2017-02-22. Retrieved 2017-02-22.
270. ^ "Three more villages liberated in the Raqqa campaign". Hawar News Agency. 2017-02-23. Retrieved 2017-02-23.
271. ^ "Operation Wrath of Euphrates: four villages liberated". Hawar News Agency. 2017-02-24. Archived from the original on 2017-08-16. Retrieved 2017-02-24.
272. ^ "SDF fighters liberate 3 more villages in Wrath of Euphrates". Hawar News Agency. 2017-02-24. Retrieved 2017-02-24.
273. ^ "The Syria Democratic Forces advance in the outskirts of Deir Ezzor province to close the road between them and the stronghold of the "Islamic State" organization in Al-Raqqah". SOHR. 2017-02-24. Retrieved 2017-02-24.
274. ^ "The 4th axis advances 28 Km, 3 villages were liberated". Hawar News Agency. 2017-02-25. Archived from the original on 2017-06-14. Retrieved 2017-02-25.
275. ^ a b Adra, Zen (26 February 2017). "Coalition airstrikes endanger Tabqa dam in northern Syria". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
276. ^ Tomson, Chris (27 February 2017). "Thousands of Kurdish troops arrive from Iraq to spearhead Deir Ezzor offensive". Archived from the original on 19 October 2017. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
277. ^ Antonopoulos, Paul (28 February 2017). "US-led coalition airstrikes completely destroy Al-Tabqa airbase in Raqqa". al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
278. ^ Daniels, Jeff (27 February 2017). "Pentagon delivers plan to speed up fight against ISIS, possibly boosting US troops in Syria". CNBC.
279. ^ "Operation Wrath of Euphrates: Six villages liberated". Hawar News. 5 March 2017. Archived from the original on 6 March 2017. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
280. ^ "US-backed Syrian Forces Resume Offensive to Recapture Raqqa". Voice of America. 6 March 2017. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
281. ^ Tomson, Chris (6 March 2017). "Kurdish forces capture 15 hamlets in desert area east of Raqqa". Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
282. ^ Antonopoulos, Paul (6 March 2017). "Kurdish-led forces continue rapid progress in rural Raqqa against ISIS". Archived from the original on 30 November 2020. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
283. ^ Kajjo, Sirwan (6 March 2017). "US-backed Syrian Forces Cut Key Road Linking Raqqa, Deir Ezzor". Voice of America. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
284. ^ Perry, Tom (6 March 2017). "U.S.-backed Syrian force cuts last road out of IS stronghold". Reuters. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
285. ^ Tony Gamal-Gabriel; Ammar Khan (7 March 2017). "Iraqi forces retake government HQ, museum in Mosul". Agence-France Presse. Yahoo! News. Archived from the original on 18 May 2019. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
286. ^ Yaqoub, Mir (7 March 2017). "Syrian Democratic Forces seize more ground eastern Raqqa amidst ISIS decline". ARA News. Archived from the original on March 6, 2017. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
287. ^ Tomson, Chris (6 March 2017). "Kurdish forces seize military base from ISIS amid massive offensive in Deir Ezzor". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 3 February 2019. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
288. ^ "Strategic hill liberated in Operation Wrath of Euphrates". Hawar News Agency. 8 March 2017. Archived from the original on 9 March 2017. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
289. ^ "About 150 militants in IS reach Raqqa city after a strict siege by SDF". SOHR. 8 March 2017. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
290. ^ "Strategic East Menxer Hill liberated in Raqqa campaign". Hawar News Agency. 9 March 2017. Archived from the original on 12 March 2017. Retrieved 9 March 2017.
291. ^ "Two villages liberated in Operation Wrath of Euphrates". Hawar News Agency. 9 March 2017. Archived from the original on 12 March 2017. Retrieved 9 March 2017.
292. ^ "Operation Wrath of Euphrates: Jezera village liberated". Hawar News Agency. 9 March 2017. Archived from the original on 12 March 2017. Retrieved 9 March 2017.
293. ^ "244 Arab youths graduate and join SDF ranks". Hawar News Agency. 9 March 2017. Archived from the original on 26 March 2017. Retrieved 26 March 2017.
294. ^ "Operation Wrath of Euphrates liberates two villages". Hawar News Agency. 10 March 2017. Archived from the original on 12 March 2017. Retrieved 10 March 2017.
295. ^ "The Syria Democratic Forces advance in 2 villages in the eastern countryside of Al-Raqqah". SOHR. 10 March 2017. Retrieved 10 March 2017.
296. ^ Tomson, Chris (10 March 2017). "Kurdish militants slice through the Islamic State heartland near Raqqa". Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
297. ^ "Wrath of Euphrates: Kas Ajeyl village liberated". Hawar News Agency. 12 March 2017. Archived from the original on 13 March 2017. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
298. ^ "Continued clashes in the eastern countryside of al-Raqqah city within the "Euphrates Wrath" operations". SOHR. 12 March 2017. Retrieved 15 March 2017.
299. ^ a b "Violent clashes in the vicinity of the towns of Al-Fu'ah and Kafriya in the countryside of Idlib and the "Islamic State" organization continues its attempt to recover what it lost east of Al-Raqqah". SOHR. 13 March 2017. Retrieved 9 March 2017.
300. ^ Charkatli, Izat (11 March 2017). "Hundreds of ISIS fighters pour into Raqqa as Kurdish forces advance". Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 13 March 2017.
301. ^ Fadel, Leith (14 March 2017). "Kurdish forces on the brink of cutting ISIL's main supply line from Raqqa to Deir Ezzor". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 15 March 2017.
302. ^ "Wrath of Euphrates spokeswoman: Raqqa is now isolated". Al-monitor. 15 March 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
303. ^ "Wrath of Euphrates: making 5 km progress, Hamad Asaf silos liberated". Hawar News. 16 March 2017. Archived from the original on 16 March 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
304. ^ Tomson, Chris (16 March 2017). "Kurdish forces renew push towards Raqqa city, two villages liberated from ISIS". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
305. ^ Perry, Tom (17 March 2017). "Exclusive: Syrian Kurdish YPG says Raqqa attack to start in early April". Reuters.
306. ^ "Violent clashes around Khas Ageyl village". Hawar News. 18 March 2017. Archived from the original on 20 March 2017. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
307. ^ "Clashes continue between IS and SDF in Raqqa and Hasakah". SOHR. 18 March 2017. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
308. ^ "A big part of al-Karama town is liberated". Hawar News. 19 March 2017. Archived from the original on 14 June 2017. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
309. ^ "Airstrikes on al-Raqqa's countryside cause more casualties and clashes continue in the east". SOHR. 19 March 2017. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
310. ^ "The "Euphrates Wrath" operations continue in the eastern countryside of the capital and SDF advance more". SOHR. 20 March 2017. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
311. ^ "تحرير قرية جرقا التابعة لبلدة الكرامة من مرتزقة داعش" (in Arabic). Hawar News. 20 March 2017. Archived from the original on 21 March 2017. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
312. ^ "Wrath of Euphrates: a train station liberated". Hawar News. 20 March 2017. Archived from the original on 21 March 2017. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
313. ^ "تحرير محطة ضخ مياه المحمدية" (in Arabic). Hawar News. 20 March 2017. Archived from the original on 21 March 2017. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
314. ^ "Operation Wrath of Euphrates: Hemed Asaf liberated". Hawar News. 22 March 2017. Archived from the original on 15 June 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
315. ^ a b "انفجار مفخخة بريف الحسكة وتواصل المعارك بريف الرقة الشرقي" (in Arabic). SOHR. 22 March 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
316. ^ "Operation Wrath of Euphrates: Cedîdit Mexyet liberated". Hawar News. 22 March 2017. Archived from the original on 23 March 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
317. ^ "IS conflict: Strike on Raqqa school 'kills displaced civilians'". BBC. 22 March 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
318. ^ "SDF liberates Misharfit al-Shihnat village". Hawar News. 23 March 2017. Archived from the original on 24 March 2017. Retrieved 23 March 2017.
319. ^ "Al-Xasansiye village liberated, progress continues". Hawar News. 24 March 2017. Archived from the original on 25 March 2017. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
320. ^ "Syria Democratic Forces advance and control new villages in the eastern countryside of Al-Raqqah". SOHR. 24 March 2017. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
321. ^ "Farsat Abdûlismail village liberated in Wrath of Euphrates". 24 March 2017. Archived from the original on 25 March 2017. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
322. ^ "معارك "غضب الفرات" تتواصل وقوات سوريا الديمقراطية تتقدم على ضفاف الفرات الشمالية" (in Arabic). SOHR. 24 March 2017. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
323. ^ Barbara Starr; Zachary Cohen; Ryan Browne (22 March 2017). "US joins first air assault 'behind enemy lines' against ISIS in Syria". CNN. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
324. ^ "Coalition airdrops SDF and US forces into Tabqa for joint operation". Rudaw. 22 March 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
325. ^ "Syria: Syrian Democratic Forces Cross Euphrates West Of Raqqa". STRATFOR. 22 March 2017. Archived from the original on 23 March 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
326. ^ "Escalation in Raqqa; Inside the Trump-Saudi meeting; Lockheed to move F-16 assembly line; What's wrong with the military personnel system?; and just a bit more…". Defense One. Atlantic Media. 22 March 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
327. ^ "Special forces join airborne assault on Isis dam stronghold". The Times. 2017-03-24.
328. ^ Sjoholm, John (22 March 2017). "US forces seek to take critical Tabqa dam before ISIS uses it as a weapon of terror". Lima Charlie News. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
329. ^ Ellen Francis; Tom Perry (22 March 2017). "U.S.-led coalition airdrops forces in Raqqa province". Reuters. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
330. ^ Gordon, Michael R.; Barnard, Anne (22 March 2017). "U.S. Airlifts Hundreds of Militia Fighters in Attack to Cut Off Raqqa, Syria". The New York Times.
331. ^ Rogoway, Tyler (22 March 2017). "US Backed Forces Take Strategic Syrian Dam To Block ISIS From Escaping Raqqa".
332. ^ "The atrocities against civilians that coincided with London's attack". The New Arab. 23 March 2017. Retrieved 23 March 2017.
333. ^ a b "Siria: Isis perde la diga di Tabqa, strategica per la sua sopravvivenza – Difesa e Sicurezza". 23 March 2017.
334. ^ Antonopoulos, Paul (23 March 2017). "SDF capture Tabqa Dam from ISIS in spectacular behind enemy lines operation". Archived from the original on 23 November 2018. Retrieved 23 March 2017.
335. ^ "SDF prepares to take Tabqa dam after successful airdrop mission". Rudaw. 23 March 2017. Retrieved 23 March 2017.
336. ^ "U.S.-Backed Syrian Force Expects to Attack Tabqa Soon". U.S. News & World Report. Reuters. 23 March 2017. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
337. ^ Antonopoulos, Paul (24 March 2017). "ISIS denies that Kurdish-led forces captured Tabqa Dam". Reuters. Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
338. ^ "Syrian militia reaches Tabqa dam: SDF official". Reuters. 24 March 2017. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
339. ^ "DEVELOPING: Joint US offensive to take back Tabqa Dam from ISIS sees gains". Lima Charlie News. 24 March 2017. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
340. ^ "ANF – Ajansa Nûçeyan a Firatê". Archived from the original on 2017-03-26. Retrieved 2017-03-25.
341. ^ Tomson, Chris (25 March 2017). "Kurdish forces close in on ISIS controlled Tabqa Airbase amid blitz offensive in Raqqa". Archived from the original on 18 October 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
342. ^ "Kurdish forces close in on ISIS controlled Tabqa Airbase amid blitz offensive in Raqqa". Al-Masdar News. 25 March 2017. Archived from the original on 18 October 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
343. ^ "ANF – Ajansa Nûçeyan a Firatê". Archived from the original on 2017-03-27. Retrieved 2017-03-26.
344. ^ "Al-Acel al-Sharqi and al-Gharbi were liberated – ANHA". Archived from the original on 2017-03-26. Retrieved 2017-03-26.
345. ^ Antonopoulos, Paul (26 March 2017). "BREAKING: ISIS claims Tabqa Dam on verge of collapse". Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2017.
346. ^ "The strategic Euphrates Dam stops working and the "Islamic State" organization still controls its main buildings and turbines". SOHR. 26 March 2017. Retrieved 26 March 2017.
347. ^ "IS conflict: Raqqa warning over 'risk to Tabqa dam'". BBC. 26 March 2017. Retrieved 26 March 2017.
348. ^ "The Latest: US claims Tabqa dam is not in danger of bursting". Miami Herald.
349. ^ "U.S-backed forces storm IS-held Tabqa military airport in northern Syria: spokesman". Reuters. 26 March 2017. Retrieved 26 March 2017.
350. ^ a b Tomson, Chris (26 March 2017). "BREAKING: Kurdish forces liberate Tabqa Airbase in Raqqa province". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 12 February 2019. Retrieved 26 March 2017.
351. ^ Andrew V. Pestano (27 March 2017). "Syrian militia captures Tabqa airbase from Islamic State". United Press International. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
352. ^ "VICTORY – Mission Tabqa Dam Complete, joint US SpecOps retake vital dam from ISIS – Lima Charlie News". 26 March 2017.
353. ^ Şafak, Yeni. "PYD takes Tabqa Dam in northern Syria: local sources".
354. ^ Antonopoulos, Paul (27 March 2017). "Tabqa Dam update: Kurdish-led forces to stop assault against ISIS to allow engineers to work". Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
355. ^ "U.S.-backed forces capture IS-held airport near Euphrates dam". Al-Jazeera. 27 March 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
356. ^ Francis, Ellen (27 March 2017). "U.S.-backed Syrian militias say have paused military operations near Tabqa dam". Reuters. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
357. ^ McDowall, Angus (27 March 2017). "Syria dam not damaged: SDF Raqqa campaign spokeswoman". Reuters. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
358. ^ "SDF liberates two villages from ISIS west of Raqqa". NRT. 27 March 2017. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
359. ^ "US-backed Fighters to Pause Military Action Near Syria Dam". Voice of America. 27 March 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
360. ^ "Two villages liberated west of al-Raqqa". Hawar News. 27 March 2017. Archived from the original on 28 March 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
361. ^ "US-backed Syria forces resume fighting near Tabqa dam". Al-Jazeera. 28 March 2017. Retrieved 28 March 2017.
362. ^ Said, Rodi (28 March 2017). "Guns silent as engineers work to ease pressure on Syrian dam". Reuters. Retrieved 28 March 2017.
363. ^ Said, Rodi (29 March 2017). "Engineers repair Syria's Tabqa dam spillways after shelling". Reuters. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
364. ^ "Clashes renewed in the vicinity of al-Tabaqa airbase and the Syria Democratic Forces monitor the road of eastern countryside of Aleppo – al-Tabaqa – Al-Raqqah". SOHR. 29 March 2017. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
365. ^ Fadel, Leith (31 March 2017). "Kurdish forces closing on ISIL bastion in west Al-Raqqa". Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
366. ^ "US Special Forces and the Syria Democratic Forces continue their operation to complete the siege on al-Tabaqa city". SOHR. 31 March 2017. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
367. ^ "عشيرة العجيل بشيوخها وشبانها تساند قوات سوريا الديمقراطية – ANHA". Archived from the original on 2017-04-26. Retrieved 2017-04-01.
368. ^ "Leaflets call members of the "Islamic State organization in al-Tabaqa to "surrender" and the clashes renewed east of the city". SOHR. 31 March 2017. Retrieved 1 April 2017.
369. ^ "Continuous violent clash between the Syria Democratic Forces and the "Islamic State" organization in the countryside of al-Tabaqa". SOHR. 1 April 2017. Retrieved 1 April 2017.
370. ^ Suleiman Al-Khalidi (2 April 2017). "U.S.-backed forces repel Islamic State attack near Syrian dam". Reuters. Retrieved 2 April 2017.
371. ^ Arab, The New (2 April 2017). "Syrian Kurdish-Arab force 'surround' IS' last stronghold before Raqqa".
372. ^ Tomson, Chris (2 April 2017). "BREAKING: Kurdish forces encircle Tabqa city as ISIS collapses on outskirts of Raqqa". Archived from the original on 26 December 2018. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
373. ^ "هجومات يومية مستمرة من قبل تنظيم "الدولة الإسلامية" على مطار الطبقة العسكري وقصف مدفعي على ريف دمشق الغربي" (in Arabic). SOHR. 2 April 2017. Retrieved 2 April 2017.
374. ^ "Flooding reported in Raqqa city as US-backed forces fight for Euphrates Dam". Syria Direct. 3 April 2017. Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
375. ^ Adra, Zen (3 April 2017). "US-backed forces clash with ISIS outside Tabqa [Video + Photos]". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
376. ^ Ph.D, Anne Speckhard. "Is ISIS Moving its Capital from Raqqa to Mayadin in Deir ez-Zor?".
377. ^ "After 15 days of the airdrop missions west of it… the Syria Democratic Forces and US Special Forces besiege al-Tabaqa city". SOHR. 5 April 2017. Retrieved 5 April 2017.
378. ^ "Islamic State fighters 'fully encircled' in Tabqa city, Euphrates Dam". Syria Direct. 6 April 2017. Archived from the original on 4 April 2019. Retrieved 6 April 2017.
379. ^ "US-backed fighters surround IS-held Syria town: monitor". Agence-France Presse. Middle East Eye. 6 April 2017. Retrieved 6 April 2017.
380. ^ a b Tomson, Chris (21 April 2017). "Daring US airborne raid kills military advisor of ISIS leader". Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
381. ^ "The Syria Democratic Forces and US Special Forces control the second village in the eastern countryside of al-Tabaqa and kill more than 25 members of the "Islamic State" organization". SOHR. 9 April 2017. Retrieved 10 April 2017.
382. ^ "SDF liberate Ibad village east of Tabqa". ANF News. 9 April 2017. Retrieved 10 April 2017.
383. ^ Adra, Zen (9 April 2017). "US-backed fighters foil ISIS attack east of Tabqa". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 18 October 2017. Retrieved 10 April 2017.
384. ^ "The violent clashes renewed near al-Tabaqa airbase in a new offensive by the "Islamic State" organization". SOHR. 9 April 2017. Retrieved 10 April 2017.
385. ^ "Al-Raqqa's 'Ayed al-Kabeer village liberated". ANHA. 10 April 2017. Archived from the original on 13 April 2017. Retrieved 14 April 2017.
386. ^ "SDF close to liberating Tabqa dam, will move into Raqqa after, says coalition rep".
387. ^ "U.S.-Backed Forces Push Back Islamic State in Raqqa Campaign – Officials".
388. ^ "18 Syrian Fighters Allied With U.S. Are Killed in Coalition Airstrike". The New York Times. 13 April 2017. Retrieved 14 April 2017.
389. ^ a b John Davison; Rodi Said (13 April 2017). "U.S.-backed forces launch new attacks on Islamic State in Syria: statement". Reuters.
390. ^ "Syrian Militia Announces 4th Phase of Offensive against IS in al-Raqqa". Latin American Herald Tribune. 13 April 2017. Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 18 April 2017.
391. ^ "US-backed Syrian forces set sights on valley north of Raqqa". Fox News. 13 April 2017.
392. ^ "Syrian Democratic Forces launch latest phase of Raqqa operation". Kom News. 13 April 2017. Archived from the original on 16 May 2017. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
393. ^ "About 15 fighters were killed in clashes and explosion of an explosive belt in the countryside of Al-Raqqah and the "Islamic State" organization intensifies its counter attacks and booby trapped vehicles on locations of "Euphrates Wrath" operation". SOHR. 13 April 2017.
394. ^ "Observatory: SDF on Doorstep of Syria's Tabqa". Asharq al-Awsat. 15 April 2017. Archived from the original on 9 October 2017. Retrieved 15 April 2017.
395. ^ "قوات سوريا الديمقراطية تدخل ضواحي مدينة الطبقة بعد 24 يوماً من انتقال المعارك إلى ضفة الفرات الجنوبية عقب عملية الإنزال" (in Arabic). SOHR. 15 April 2017.
396. ^ Tomson, Chris (15 April 2017). "ISIS in big trouble as Kurdish troops seize entire neighborhood in Tabqa city". Archived from the original on 7 July 2018. Retrieved 15 April 2017.
397. ^ "SDF forces enter Taqba city, 16 ISIS fighters killed – ARA News". 16 April 2017. Archived from the original on 17 May 2017.
398. ^ "27 ISIS members killed in Misharfa village near Tabqa". ANF News. 15 April 2017.
399. ^ "BREAKING: Kurdish forces storm ISIS bastion in western Raqqa". Al-Masdar News. 15 April 2017. Archived from the original on 19 October 2017. Retrieved 15 April 2017.
400. ^ Tomson, Chris (17 April 2017). "Kurdish troops capture three villages from ISIS en route to Raqqa city". Archived from the original on 26 October 2017. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
401. ^ "Syria Democratic Forces advance in the 4th phase of their military operation". SOHR. 17 April 2017.
402. ^ "3 villages and 4 hamlets liberated". ANHA. 17 April 2017. Archived from the original on 17 May 2017. Retrieved 17 April 2017.
403. ^ "Shams al-Shamal fighters participating in Wrath of Euphrates – ANHA". en.hawarnews.com. Archived from the original on 23 August 2017. Retrieved 10 July 2017.
404. ^ "A rapid progress towards al-Tabqa center made". ANHA. 18 April 2017.
405. ^ Tomson, Chris (18 April 2017). "ISIS fighters trapped in western Raqqa as Kurdish forces seize new sites inside Tabqa". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 25 October 2017. Retrieved 18 April 2017.
406. ^ Wladimir van Wilgenburg (19 April 2017). "US-backed SDF forces take over ISIS radio station in Tabqa". ARA News. Archived from the original on 25 June 2017. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
407. ^ "Al-Hatash village liberated". ANHA. 19 April 2017.
408. ^ "The Syria Democratic Forces advance in several villages within the 4th stage of operations of "Euphrates Wrath"". SOHR. 19 April 2017.
409. ^ "معارك مستمرة بعنف ضمن استمرار المرحلة الرابعة من عمليات "غضب الفرات" في ريف الرقة" (in Arabic). SOHR. 20 April 2017.
410. ^ "The Syria Democratic Forces achieved a new advancement in the northern countryside of Al-Raqqah and warplanes raid on the countryside of Idlib". SOHR. 20 April 2017.
411. ^ Tomson, Chris (20 April 2017). "10,000 civilians flee Tabqa battle as Kurdish units capture villages north of Raqqa". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 19 October 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
412. ^ Tomson, Chris (21 April 2017). "Kurdish pincer offensive cuts off bunch of ISIS-held villages north of Raqqa". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 26 October 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
413. ^ "SDF seek to besiege ISIS in villages in the northern countryside of al-Raqqa". SOHR. 21 April 2017.
414. ^ "أكثر من 30 قتيل من تنظيم "الدولة الإسلامية" خلال معارك شمال الرقة وقوات سوريا الديمقراطية تقلص المسافة لأقل من 6 كلم بين محوري تقدمها" (in Arabic). SOHR. 22 April 2017.
415. ^ "Wrath of Euphrates: two towns liberated, 49 mercenaries killed". Hawar News. 22 April 2017. Archived from the original on 18 May 2017. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
416. ^ Tomlinson, Lucas (21 April 2017). "ISIS moves its capital in Syria". Fox News. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
417. ^ a b "Kurdish blitz offensive wrestles control of 13 villages from ISIS in northern Raqqa". Al-Masdar News. 24 April 2017. Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
418. ^ Tomson, Chris (25 April 2017). "ISIS loses huge numbers in Tabqa city as Kurdish forces capture second neighborhood". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 19 October 2017. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
419. ^ "After 34 days of moving the clashes to Euphrates' west bank… SDF advance and enter outskirts of al-Tabaqa city". SOHR. 25 April 2017. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
420. ^ "تنظيف دوار العلف وجزيرة المحمية من المرتزقة" (in Arabic). ANHA. 25 April 2017. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
421. ^ "SDF fighters advancing on two fronts meet". ANF News. 25 April 2017. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
422. ^ "At least 311 ISIS jihadists killed by SDF fire in military campaign to liberate Raqqa's northern countryside". ARA News. 25 April 2017. Archived from the original on April 26, 2017. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
423. ^ "U.S.-Backed Forces Push Against IS in Slowed Raqqa Campaign". U.S. News. Reuters. 28 April 2017. Retrieved 28 April 2017.
424. ^ "YPG threatens to withdraw from Raqqa ops amid Turkish attacks". NRT TV. 28 April 2017. Archived from the original on 16 August 2017. Retrieved 28 April 2017.
425. ^ McDowall, Angus (30 April 2017). "U.S.-backed militias claim big advance against IS in Syria's Tabqa". Reuters. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
426. ^ "Kurdish-Arab force makes gains against ISIL in Tabqa". Al-Jazeera. 30 April 2017. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
427. ^ Tomson, Chris (30 April 2017). "ISIS defeat in western Raqqa inevitable as Kurdish troops seize over half of Tabqa city". Archived from the original on 18 October 2017. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
428. ^ Barrington, Lisa (1 May 2017). "U.S.-backed militias oust Islamic State from Syria's Tabqa old city". Reuters. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
429. ^ Diana al-Rifai (2 May 2017). "Kurdish forces 'take 90 percent' of Syria's Tabqa". Al-Jazeera. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
430. ^ "Kurdish fighters 'negotiating with IS' to withdraw from Tabqa". The New Arab. 2 May 2017. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
431. ^ a b "Humiliating defeat for ISIS as Kurdish troops impose full control over Tabqa city". Al-Masdar News. 3 May 2017. Archived from the original on 4 October 2018. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
432. ^ a b "18 days after entering the city… the Syria Democratic Forces almost completely control al-Tabaqa and ISIS withdraw after negotiations". SOHR. 3 May 2017. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
433. ^ "Islamic State Launches Counter-Attacks on US-Backed Kurdish Forces in Syria". The Latin American Herald Tribune. 3 May 2017. Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
434. ^ "Humiliating defeat for ISIS as Kurdish troops impose full control over Tabqa city". Al-Masdar News. 4 May 2017. Archived from the original on 11 October 2018. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
435. ^ "SDF denies deal to evacuate ISIS in Tabqa, reports intensive clashes". Rudaw. 4 May 2017. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
436. ^ "Syrian Democratic Forces deny evacuation deal with ISIS". ARA News. 4 May 2017. Archived from the original on 1 June 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
437. ^ "Elite Forces graduated a new batch of fighters to engage in the battle of tenderness". Al-Etihad Press. 3 May 2017. Archived from the original on 19 October 2017. Retrieved 7 May 2017.
438. ^ "100 Arab young men joined SDF – ANHA". en.hawarnews.com. Archived from the original on 18 June 2017. Retrieved 10 July 2017.
439. ^ McDowall, Angus (8 May 2017). "U.S.-backed militias say they made new advance against Islamic State in Tabqa". Reuters. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
440. ^ "Watanî Hospital west of Tabqa cleared of ISIS". ANF News. 7 May 2017. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
441. ^ "Connection severed between Tabqa Dam and three neighborhoods". ANF News. 8 May 2017. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
442. ^ Tomson, Chris (8 May 2017). "Kurdish forces slice adrift ISIS pocket in western Raqqa". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
443. ^ "ISIS chief Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi asks for help in Raqqa". Ahlul Bayt News Agency. 8 May 2017. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
444. ^ "Sahel al-Khashab completely liberated". Hawar News Agency. 8 May 2017. Archived from the original on 11 June 2017. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
445. ^ "After agreeing to withdraw… Foreigner fighters of the "Islamic State" organization refuse to comply and start a guerrilla war in al-Tabaqa city's neighborhoods". SOHR. 8 May 2017. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
446. ^ News, ANF. "Fourth phase of the Wrath of Euphrates relaunched after 15 days". ANF News. `{{cite web}}`: `|last=` has generic name (help)
447. ^ "US-backed Syrian forces 'fully capture' Tabqa from ISIL". Al-Jazeera. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
448. ^ "Fourth stage of Operation Wrath of Euphrates is resumed". Hawar News Agency. Archived from the original on 14 June 2017. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
449. ^ Tomson, Chris (2017-05-11). "Kurdish forces capture three villages just ten kilometers north of ISIS-held Raqqa". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 2019-04-04. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
450. ^ Castro, Ivan (2017-05-12). "Syrian Democratic Forces inch closer to the self-proclaimed capital of ISIS". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 2019-04-04. Retrieved 12 May 2017.
451. ^ "تحرير قرية خربة خان وإحباط هجوم على أم تنك" (in Arabic). Hawar News. 11 May 2017.
452. ^ "The day after: US-backed forces thwart Islamic State counterattack after Tabqa win". Syria Direct. 12 May 2017. Archived from the original on 15 May 2017. Retrieved 14 May 2017.
453. ^ "Syrian Army, Kurdish forces team up against ISIS in rural Aleppo, Raqqa – Map update". Al-Masdar News. 13 May 2017. Archived from the original on 4 April 2019. Retrieved 14 May 2017.
454. ^ "Syrian fighters move even closer to ISIL's 'capital'". The National. Associated Press. 13 May 2017.
455. ^ "El-Ensar village liberated from gangs". Hawar News. 12 May 2017. Archived from the original on 15 June 2017. Retrieved 14 May 2017.
456. ^ "SDF advances 6 km towards the Raqqa city". ANF. 12 May 2017.
457. ^ "Other 3 villages north of al-Raqqa liberated". Hawar News Agency. 14 May 2017.
458. ^ ""Euphrates Wrath" operation forces continue their offensive for the 3rd consecutive day and advancement in more areas". SOHR. 14 May 2017.
459. ^ "Kurdish forces reach the northern gates of Raqqa after liberating four more villages". Al-Masdar News. 14 May 2017. Archived from the original on 4 April 2019. Retrieved 17 May 2017.
460. ^ "Two al-Raqqa's villages, 17 hamlets liberated from gangs". Hawar News Agency. 15 May 2017. Archived from the original on 19 June 2017. Retrieved 17 May 2017.
461. ^ "3 villages, 15 hamlets liberated from IS gangs". Hawar News Agency. 16 May 2017.
462. ^ "تحرير قرية الرشيد" (in Arabic). Hawar News. 15 May 2017.
463. ^ "التقدم باتجاه مدينة الرقة يتواصل: تحرير قرية وصوامع القمح". Hawar News Agency. 16 May 2017.
464. ^ "Kurdish forces just three kilometers from Raqqa as ISIS loses control of key highways". Al-Masdar News. 18 May 2017. Archived from the original on 4 April 2019. Retrieved 17 May 2017.
465. ^ ""Euphrates Wrath" forces continue their operations to reduce the "Islamic State" organization's controlled areas and to take more villages from it in the eastern countryside of Al-Raqqah". SOHR. 18 May 2017.
466. ^ "Hamrat Ghanam is liberated by SDF". Hawar News. 18 May 2017. Archived from the original on 23 May 2017. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
467. ^ "QSD'ê gaveke din nêzî Reqqayê bû, du gundên din hatin rizgarkirin" (in Kurdish). Hawar News Agency. 19 May 2017. Archived from the original on 22 May 2017. Retrieved 21 May 2017.
468. ^ "The forces of the " Euphrates Wrath " operation manage to achieve more advances in the eastern countryside of al-Raqqa and documenting the death of their fighters during the battles". SOHR. 19 May 2017.
469. ^ "Al-Raqqa: village liberated, 13 mercenaries killed". Hawar News. 21 May 2017. Archived from the original on 26 May 2017. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
470. ^ "Another step towards al-Raqqa". Hawar News. 21 May 2017. Archived from the original on 5 July 2017. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
471. ^ ""Euphrates Wrath" operation forces advance west of Al-Raqqah and control new village and get closer to Al-Baath Dam". SOHR. 22 May 2017.
472. ^ "2 villages liberated, 21 mercenaries killed". Hawar News. 23 May 2017. Archived from the original on 5 July 2017. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
473. ^ "Kurdish forces on the verge of capturing Baath dam amid new gains in rural Raqqa". Al-Masdar News. 24 May 2017. Archived from the original on 17 June 2017. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
474. ^ "SDF liberates the Yamamah village in Raqqa operation". ANF. 23 May 2017.
475. ^ "Wrath of Euphrates: a town and village liberated". Hawar News. 24 May 2017. Archived from the original on 5 July 2017. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
476. ^ "A village north of al-Hurriyah Dam liberated". Hawar News. 25 May 2017. Archived from the original on 28 June 2017. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
477. ^ "1,000 young men join SDF". Hawar News. Archived from the original on 2017-06-30. Retrieved 2017-05-27.
478. ^ "Kurds reach the gates of Raqqa as 4,000 ISIS fighters gear up for apocalyptic battle". Archived from the original on 2017-06-18. Retrieved 2017-05-31.
479. ^ "U.S.-backed forces seize Islamic State-held town near Syria's Raqqa: source, monitor". Reuters. 2 June 2017.
480. ^ "U.S.-backed Syrian force starts battle to capture Raqqa from Islamic State". Reuters. 6 June 2017.
481. ^ "U.S.-backed anti-IS forces to announce Raqqa assault start date on Tuesday". Reuters. 5 June 2017.
482. ^ "ISIS fully encircled in Raqqa city after latest Kurdish advances". 24 June 2017. Archived from the original on 8 July 2017. Retrieved 10 July 2017.
483. ^ "Raqqa in ruins: Brutal fight against IS leaves city destroyed".
484. ^ "Adnan Abu Amjad battle to liberate rest of al-Raqqa began". Hawar News Agency. Archived from the original on 2018-01-20. Retrieved 2017-10-15.
485. ^ "Evacuation ends as ISIL defeat in Syria's Raqqa nears | Syria News | al Jazeera".
486. ^ "Al-Andalus and al-Matar neighborhoods liberated". Hawar News Agency. 16 October 2017. Archived from the original on 20 January 2018. Retrieved 18 October 2017.
487. ^ "Raqqa's Al Naim roundabout liberated, 37 ISIS members surrender". Hawar News Agency. 16 October 2017. Archived from the original on 20 January 2018. Retrieved 18 October 2017.
488. ^ a b "Daesh defeated in their Syrian capital Raqqa | News, Middle East | THE DAILY STAR". The Daily Star. Archived from the original on 2017-10-18. Retrieved 2017-10-18.
489. ^ Luis Martinez; Morgan Winsor (20 October 2017). "US-backed Syrian forces declare victory over ISIS in its former 'capital,' Raqqa". ABC News. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
490. ^ Fadel, Leith (13 June 2017). "Syrian Army kicks off Raqqa offensive in a big way, key oil field liberated". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 27 November 2020. Retrieved 13 June 2017.
491. ^ Oriana Pawlyk (18 May 2017). "US F/A-18E Shoots Down Syrian Su-22 in Air-to-Air Kill". Military.com. Retrieved 19 June 2017.
492. ^ "A regime warplane was targeted and dropped in the skies of the al-Resafa area". SOHR. 19 May 2017. Retrieved 19 June 2017.
493. ^ "Syrian regime: a fighter downed by global coalition". Hawar News Agency. 19 May 2017. Archived from the original on 23 June 2017. Retrieved 19 June 2017.
494. ^ Al-Khalidi, Suleiman (15 July 2017). "Syrian army takes more oil fields from Islamic State in Raqqa and eastern desert". Reuters. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
495. ^ Tomson, Chris (16 July 2017). "Three gas fields liberated as Syrian Army brushes ISIS aside in southern Raqqa". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 20 October 2018. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
496. ^ "Local civilian council to run post-ISIS Raqqa: Kurdish official". ARA News. 14 November 2016. Archived from the original on 19 February 2017. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
497. ^ "US facilitating joint talks with Turkey, Syrian Kurdish forces to ease tension". Hurriyet Daily News. 9 December 2016.
498. ^ "Syria's Raqqa expected to join Kurdish-led federalism: Kurdish leader". Reuters. 27 March 2017.
499. ^ "Al-Raqqa Civil Council undertakes the liberated areas administration". Hawar News Agency. 27 March 2017. Archived from the original on 18 May 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
500. ^ Wladimir van Wilgenburg (20 April 2017). "Kurdish feminist appointed as co-head of Raqqa civilian council". ARA News. Archived from the original on April 21, 2017.
501. ^ "Raqqa Civilian Assembly Establishment Meeting kicks off". ANF News. 18 April 2017.
502. ^ "Raqqa to be administered by Civilian Assembly after liberation". ANF News. 18 April 2017.
503. ^ "Al-Raqqa's constituent congress: a statement released, decisions made". Hawar News Agency. 18 April 2017. Archived from the original on 24 April 2017. Retrieved 18 April 2017.
504. ^ Francis, Ellen (18 April 2017). "U.S.-allied Syrian groups form civilian council to run Raqqa". Reuters.
505. ^ "US-backed Syria forces set up post-ISIS Raqqa council". Agence-France Presse. Al-Arabiya. 18 April 2017.
506. ^ "Raqqa Civilian Assembly starts works in liberated areas". ANF News. 20 April 2017.
507. ^ News, ANF. "Tabqa Civilian Assembly declared". ANF News. Retrieved 10 July 2017. `{{cite web}}`: `|last=` has generic name (help)
508. ^ Wladimir van Wilgenburg (17 May 2017). "US-led coalition trains Raqqa Internal Forces to run post-ISIS city". ARA News. Archived from the original on May 23, 2017. Retrieved 22 May 2017.
509. ^ Tom Perry (20 October 2017). "Raqqa to be part of "federal Syria", U.S.-backed militia says". Reuters. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
510. ^ "Syria's Raqqa handed over to local officials and tribal elders". France24. Associated Press. 20 October 2017. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
511. ^ http://www.reachresourcecentre.info/system/files/resource-documents/reach_syr_ar-raqqa_city_situation_overview_ii_7_july_2017.pdf Archived 2017-08-02 at the Wayback Machine, from http://www.reachresourcecentre.info/countries/syria
512. ^ http://www.reachresourcecentre.info/system/files/resource-documents/reach_syr_raqqa_camps_and_sites_profiles_july_2017_v5.pdf Archived 2017-08-02 at the Wayback Machine, from http://www.reachresourcecentre.info/countries/syria
513. ^ "Syria's Democratic Militias Release Al-Bukahmis Leader in Raqqa". Syria Call. 26 March 2018. Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
514. ^ "YPG enraging locals in Tal Rifaat, Manbij and now in Raqqa". Daily Sabah. 29 March 2018.

## Bibliography

[edit]

* Harp, Seth (23 February 2017). "The Anarchists vs. ISIS". Rolling Stone. New York City: Wenner Media LLC. pp. 42–49.
* Tabler, Andrew J. (2017). "Eyeing Raqqa: A tale of four tribes" (PDF). Policy Notes (38). Washington, D.C.: The Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-03-25. Retrieved 2017-03-24.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Raqqa campaign (2016–2017).

* Interactive Syria and Iraq map with current Raqqa military situation

* v
* t
* e

Raqqa

History|

* Battle of Raqqa (March 2013)
* Northern Raqqa offensive (May 2016)
* Ithriyah-Raqqa offensive (June 2016)
* Raqqa campaign (2016–2017)
* Battle of Raqqa (2017)

Sites|

* Raqqa Museum
* Qasr al-Banat
* Uwais al-Qarni Mosque (destroyed)

Organisations|

* Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered Silently

In media|

* City of Ghosts (2017 film)

Culture|

* Raqqa ware

This list is incomplete

* v
* t
* e

Syrian civil war

Overviews

| Main overviews|

* Syria
* Rojava
* Syrian civil war
* Timeline
* Background and causes
* Syrian peace process
* Syrian government reactions
* Belligerents
* Inter-rebel conflict
* Spillover
* Cities and towns
* Sectarianism and minorities
* Syrian Desert campaign (December 2017–present)

|

Effects and ongoing concerns|

* Casualties of the Syrian civil war
* Refugees of the Syrian civil war
* Humanitarian aid during the Syrian civil war
* Human rights violations during the Syrian civil war

Phases and processes|

* Syrian revolution
* Early insurgency phase
* 2012–2013 escalation
* Ceasefires
* Syrian peace process

World reaction|

* International reactions to the Syrian civil war
* Foreign involvement in the Syrian civil war

Specific groups and countries|

* Russian involvement
* Russian intervention
* Turkish involvement
* Turkish occupation of northern Syria
* Second Northern Syria Buffer Zone
* Russian-Turkish agreement on Syria
* US intervention in the Syrian civil war
* 2023 attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria
* Kurdish Area in Syria
* Syrian Democratic Forces
* Rojava conflict
* U.S. task force

Agreements and dialogues|

* Russian-Turkish agreement on Syria
* Relations between Syrian government and Kurdish groups in Syria

Timeline

| Background|

* 1963 coup
* 1966 coup
* Corrective Movement
* Islamist uprising
* Latakia protests
* Damascus Spring
* Qamishli riots
* Syrian occupation of Lebanon
* Damascus Declaration
* Human rights in Syria
* 2010s in Syria political history

|

2011
Jan–Apr
May–Aug
Sep–Dec|

* Syrian Revolution
* Death of Hamza Ali Al-Khateeb
* Siege of Daraa
* Siege of Baniyas
* May Talkalakh siege
* Siege of Rastan and Talbiseh
* June Jisr ash-Shughur operation
* Siege of Hama
* Siege of Homs
* Jabal al-Zawiya operation
* Siege of Latakia
* Deir ez-Zor clashes (2011–2014)
* Rif Dimashq clashes (Nov 2011-Mar 2012)
* Battle of Zabadani
* Battle of Douma
* Daraa Governorate clashes
* Battle of Rastan
* Shayrat and Tiyas airbase ambush
* Idlib Governorate clashes
* December Jabal al-Zawiya massacres

2012
Jan–Apr
May–Aug
Sep–Dec|

* January al-Midan bombing
* Battle of Rastan
* First Battle of Idlib
* Battle of al-Qusayr
* Idlib Governorate operation (Apr)
* Battle of Taftanaz
* May Battle of Rastan
* Houla massacre
* Battle of al-Haffah
* Al-Qubeir massacre
* Battle of Tremseh
* Battle of Damascus
* 18 July 2012 Damascus bombing
* Battle of Aleppo
* Battle of Anadan
* Siege of Base 46
* Al-Hasakah Governorate campaign (2012–2013)
* Rif Dimashq offensive (Aug-Oct)
* Darayya massacre
* Battle of Khirbet Al-Joz
* Battle of Maarrat al-Numan
* First siege of Wadi Deif
* Battle of Harem
* Rif Dimashq offensive (Nov 2012–Feb 2013)
* Battle of Darayya
* Aqrab massacre
* Hama offensive
* Halfaya massacre
* Battle of Darayya
* Quneitra Governorate clashes
* Talbiseh bakery massacre

2013
Jan–Apr
May–Dec|

* Battle of Safira
* Battle of Shadadeh
* Damascus offensive
* Raqqa campaign (2012–2013)
* Battle of Raqqa (Mar)
* Daraa offensive
* Rif Dimashq offensive (Mar–Aug)
* Battle of Jdaidet al-Fadl
* Ghouta chemical attack
* Al-Qusayr offensive
* Battle of al-Qusayr
* Bayda and Baniyas massacres
* Hama offensive
* Hatla massacre
* Khan al-Assal chemical attack
* Khan al-Assal massacre
* Adra massacre
* Battle of Ras al-Ayn
* Battle of Tell Abyad
* Rif Dimashq offensive (Sep–Nov)
* Aleppo offensive (Oct–Dec)
* Battle of al-Yaarubiyah
* Battle of Tell Hamis and Tell Brak (Dec–Jan)

2014
Jan–Jul
Aug–Dec|

* First Inter-rebel conflict
* Battle of Markada
* Deir ez-Zor offensive
* Battle of Morek
* Daraa offensive (Feb–May)
* Maan massacre
* Al-Otaiba ambush
* Idlib offensive
* Battle of Hosn
* Latakia Offensive
* Battle of Al-Malihah
* Kafr Zita chemical attack
* Second siege of Wadi Deif
* Qalamoun offensive (Jun–Aug)
* Battle of Arsal
* First Battle of the Shaer gas field
* Eastern Syria offensive
* Battle of Tabqa Airbase
* Northern Aleppo offensive (Feb–Jul)
* Hama Offensive
* Quneitra offensive
* Rif Dimashq offensive (Aug–Nov)
* Siege of Kobanî
* Homs school bombing
* Daraa offensive (Oct)
* Al-Safira offensive
* Idlib Raid
* Second Inter-Rebel Conflict
* Second Battle of the Shaer gas field
* Battle of Al-Shaykh Maskin
* Deir ez-Zor offensive (Dec)

2015
Jan–Jul
Aug–Dec|

* Air Force An-26 crash
* Daraa Offensive (Jan)
* Southern Syria Offensive
* Eastern al-Hasakah offensive
* Battle of Sarrin (Mar–Apr)
* Battle of Sarrin (Jun–Jul)
* Battle of Bosra
* Idlib Offensive
* Second Battle of Idlib
* Battle of Nasib Border Crossing
* Battle of Yarmouk Camp
* Western al-Hasakah offensive
* Palmyra offensive (May)
* Qamishli bombings
* Tell Abyad offensive
* Kobanî massacre
* Quneitra offensive (Jun)
* Palmyra offensive (Jul–Aug)
* Rif Dimashq offensive (Sep)
* Northwestern Syria offensive (Oct–Nov)
* Aleppo offensive (Oct–Dec)
* Al-Hawl offensive
* Homs offensive (Nov-Dec)
* East Aleppo offensive (2015–2016)
* 2015–2016 Latakia offensive
* Tishrin Dam offensive
* Russian Sukhoi Su-24 shootdown

2016
Jan–Apr
May–Aug
Sep–Dec|

* Second Battle of Al-Shaykh Maskin
* Deir ez-Zor offensive (Jan)
* January Sayyidah Zaynab bombings
* Northern Aleppo offensive (Feb)
* Ithriyah-Raqqa offensive (Feb–Mar)
* Al-Shaddadi offensive
* February Homs bombings
* February Sayyidah Zaynab bombings
* Khanasir offensive
* Battle of Tel Abyad
* Battle of Maarrat al-Numan
* Battle of Qamishli (Apr)
* Northern Aleppo offensive (Mar–Jun)
* Palmyra offensive (Mar)
* East Ghouta inter-rebel conflict (Apr–May)
* Rif Dimashq offensive (Apr–May)
* Northern Raqqa offensive (May)
* May Jableh & Tartous bombings
* Ithriyah-Raqqa offensive (Jun)
* Rif Dimashq offensive (Jun–Oct)
* Manbij offensive
* Tokhar massacre
* Southern Aleppo campaign
* Battle of al-Rai (Aug)
* Operation Euphrates Shield
* Aleppo summer campaign
* Western al-Bab offensive (Sep)
* 5 September bombings
* September Deir ez-Zor air raid
* September Urum al-Kubra aid convoy attack
* Aleppo offensive (Sep–Oct)
* Dabiq offensive
* Western al-Bab offensive (Oct–Nov)
* Khan al-Shih offensive (Oct–Nov)
* Raqqa campaign
* Battle of al-Bab
* Aleppo offensive (Nov-Dec)
* Palmyra offensive (Dec)

2017
Jan–Apr
May–Aug
Sep–Dec|

* Wadi Barada offensive (2016–2017)
* January Azaz bombing
* Desert campaign (Dec 16–Apr 17)
* Idlib clashes (Jan–Mar)
* Deir ez-Zor offensive (Jan–Feb)
* Daraa offensive (Feb–Jun)
* Southwestern Daraa offensive (Feb)
* Qaboun offensive
* Palmyra offensive
* East Aleppo offensive (Jan–Apr)
* March Damascus bombings
* Al-Jinah airstrike
* Hama offensive (Mar–Apr)
* Battle of Tabqa
* Khan Shaykhun chemical attack
* Shayrat missile strike
* Aleppo bombing
* April Turkish airstrikes
* East Ghouta inter-rebel conflict (Apr–May)
* Desert campaign (May–Jul)
* Maskanah Plains offensive
* East Hama offensive
* Battle of Raqqa
* Daraa offensive (Jun)
* Southern Raqqa offensive (Jun)
* Jobar offensive (Jun–Aug)
* Quneitra offensive (Jun)
* Idlib clashes (Jul)
* Central campaign
* Qalamoun (Jul–Aug)
* Deir ez-Zor offensive (Sep 17–Mar 18)
* Hama offensive (Sep)
* Northwestern campaign (Oct 17–Feb 18)
* Turkish military operation in Idlib Governorate
* Battle of Harasta
* Eastern campaign (Sep–Dec)
* Euphrates Crossing offensive
* Mayadin offensive
* Battle of Deir ez-Zor (Sep–Nov)
* Abu Kamal offensive
* Beit Jinn offensive

2018
Jan–Apr
May–Aug
Sep–Dec|

* Operation Olive Branch
* Battle of Khasham
* Rif Dimashq offensive (Feb–Apr)
* Southern Damascus offensive (Jan–Feb)
* Syrian Liberation Front–Tahrir al-Sham conflict
* Southern Damascus offensive (Mar)
* Douma chemical attack
* Missile strikes (Apr)
* Northern Homs offensive (Apr–May)
* Eastern Qalamoun offensive (Apr)
* Southern Damascus offensive (Apr–May)
* Deir ez-Zor clashes (Apr)
* Deir ez-Zor offensive (May–Jun)
* As-Suwayda offensive (Jun)
* Southern offensive
* As-Suwayda attacks
* As-Suwayda (Aug-Nov)
* Qamishli clashes (Sep)
* Missile strikes (Sep)
* Northern border clashes

2019
Jan–Apr
May–Aug
Sep–Dec|

* Idlib inter-rebel conflict
* Manbij bombing
* Battle of Baghuz Fawqani
* ISIL insurgency in Deir-ez-Zor
* Dêrik prison escape attempt
* Tell Rifaat clashes
* Northwestern offensive (Apr–Aug)
* June bombings
* Hass refugee camp bombing
* Missile strikes (Aug)
* Turkish offensive into northeast
* Barisha raid
* November bombings
* Israeli missile strikes (Nov)
* Qah missile strike
* Northwestern offensive (Dec 19–Mar 20)
* US airstrikes

2020
Jan–Dec|

* COVID-19 pandemic
* Afrin bombing
* Idlib Governorate clashes
* Kafr-Takharim airstrike
* Ayn Issa clashes
* Deir ez-Zor ambush

2021
Jan–Dec|

* Siege of Qamishli and Al-Hasakah
* Missile strikes (Jan)
* US airstrike (Feb)
* Battle of Qamishli (Apr)
* US airstrike (Jun)
* Daraa clashes
* Tahrir al-Sham–Junud al-Sham conflict

2022
Jan–Dec|

* Battle of al-Hasakah
* Ahrar al-Sham–Levant Front clashes
* Jabal al-Bishrī clashes
* Jarqli airstrikes
* Northern Aleppo clashes (Oct)
* Operation Claw-Sword
* Northwest clashes (Dec)

2023
Jan-Dec|

* Al-Sukhnah attack
* Damascus airstrike
* Hama attack
* Northern border clashes

2024
Jan-Dec|

* Northwestern Syria offensive
* Battle of Aleppo

Spillover|

| Israel and Golan Heights:|

* March 2017 incident
* February 2018 incident
* May 2018 Israel–Iran incidents

|

Iraq:|

* Akashat ambush
* Operation al-Shabah
* April 2014 Iraqi border airstrike

Jordanian border incidents|

* April 2014 Jordanian border airstrike

Lebanon:|

* Lebanese border clashes
* Battle of Sidon
* Iranian embassy bombing in Beirut
* North Lebanon clashes
* Qalamoun (Jul–Aug 2017)

Turkey:|

* December 2011 Turkish border clash
* 2012 Turkish F-4 Phantom shootdown
* 2012 Turkish border clashes
* 2013 Reyhanlı car bombings
* January 2014 Turkish attack in Syria
* Assassination of Andrei Karlov
* Russian Air Force Al-Bab incident
* 2020 Balyun airstrikes
* Operation Spring Shield

Elsewhere:|

* Deir ez-Zor missile strike (Iran)

Belligerents

| Syria|

| Politics of Syria|

* Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party – Syria Region
* Syrian Social Nationalist Party
* Arab Socialist Movement
* Syrian Communist Party

|

Military and militias|

* Syrian Armed Forces
* Syrian Resistance
* PFLP-GC
* al-Quds Brigade
* Palestine Liberation Army

Foreign support|

* Hezbollah involvement
* Iranian involvement
* Liwa Fatemiyoun
* Russian involvement
* medical facility targeting
* military intervention
* Wagner Group
* Russia–Syria–Iran–Iraq coalition
* Popular Mobilization Forces

Opposition|

| Interim government|

* National Coalition
* Local Coordination Committees
* Syrian National Council
* Supreme Council of the Syrian Revolution
* National Coordination Committee for Democratic Change
* Syrian Revolution General Commission
* Syrian Support Group
* Adopt a Revolution
* Syrian Patriotic Group

|

Opposition militias|

* Syrian National Army
* Free Syrian Army
* National Front for Liberation
* Army of Glory
* Authenticity and Development Front
* Army of Free Tribes
* Revolutionary Commando Army
* Muslim Brotherhood in Syria
* Grey Wolves

Foreign support|

* US intervention
* Jordanian intervention
* Qatar
* Saudi Arabia
* Turkey

Autonomous Administration
of North and East Syria|

| DFNS Government|

* Democratic Union Party
* Kurdish National Council
* Smaller political parties

|

SDF militias|

* People's Protection Units
* Women's Protection Units
* Anti-Terror Units
* Al-Sanadid Forces
* Army of Revolutionaries
* SDF military councils
* Syriac Military Council
* Liwa Thuwar al-Raqqa
* Northern Democratic Brigade

Support|

* Patriotic Union of Kurdistan
* Kurdistan Workers' Party
* International Freedom Battalion
* Sinjar Resistance Units
* Êzîdxan Women's Units

Islamists|

| Islamic State|

* Military activity of ISIL (Al-Barakah
* Dokumacılar
* Khalid ibn al-Walid Army (Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade, Islamic Muthanna Movement, Jaysh al-Jihad)
* Liwa al-Aqsa
* Group of the One and Only
* Liwa Dawud
* Liwa Aqab al-Islami
* Katibah Nusantara
* Katiba al-Bittar al-Libi
* Al-Khansaa Brigade
* Group of the One and Only

|

al-Qaeda and allies|

* Al-Nusra Front (Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (Khorasan group, Suqour al-Ezz) Jaysh Muhammad in Bilad al-Sham
* Tahrir al-Sham
* Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria
* Caucasus Emirate
* Ajnad al-Kavkaz
* Junud al-Makhdi
* Rouse the Believers Operations Room (Ansar al-Tawhid (Firqat al-Ghuraba), Hurras al-Din, Ansar al-Din Front (Harakat Sham al-Islam), Ansar al-Islam in Kurdistan)
* Jaish al-Haramoun
* Jaysh al-Sunna
* Liwa al-Muhajireen wal-Ansar (Green Battalion)
* Mujahideen Shura Council
* Malhama Tactical
* Katibat al-Tawhid wal-Jihad
* Jama'at Ansar al-Furqan in Bilad al Sham
* Ghuraba al-Sham
* Taliban (Pakistani Taliban, Imam Bukhari Jamaat)
* Fatah al-Islam
* Muhajirin wa-Ansar Alliance (Liwaa al-Umma)

People

* Ammar Abdulhamid
* Ali al-Abdallah
* Adnan al-Aroor
* al-Assad family
* Bashar
* Maher
* Rifaat
* Rami Makhlouf
* Hafez Makhlouf
* Riad al-Asaad
* Anwar al-Bunni
* Fahd Jassem al-Freij
* Suheil al-Hassan
* Haitham al-Maleh
* Moaz al-Khatib
* Kamal al-Labwani
* Hamza al-Khateeb
* Tal al-Mallohi
* Fida al-Sayed
* Riad al-Turk
* Khaled Khoja
* Ammar al-Qurabi
* Suheir Atassi
* Ali Sadreddine Al-Bayanouni
* Aref Dalila
* Farid Ghadry
* Burhan Ghalioun
* Razan Ghazzawi
* Ghassan Hitto
* Salim Idris
* Randa Kassis
* Abdul Halim Khaddam
* Michel Kilo
* Bassma Kodmani
* Ali Habib Mahmud
* Ali Mahmoud Othman
* Ibrahim Qashoush
* Dawoud Rajiha
* Yassin al-Haj Saleh
* Bouthaina Shaaban
* Abdulbaset Sieda
* Riad Seif
* Fadwa Souleimane
* Mohamad Anas Haitham Soueid
* Yaser Tabbara
* Razan Zaitouneh
* Rami Jarrah
* Abdurrahman Mustafa
* Fadlallah al-Haji

Related

| Elections|

* 2011 local elections
* 2012 parliamentary election
* 2014 presidential election
* 2015 Northern local elections
* 2016 parliamentary election
* 2017 Northern local elections
* 2017 Northern regional elections
* 2018 local elections
* 2020 parliamentary election
* 2021 presidential election

|

Issues|

* Casualties
* Cities and towns
* Chemical weapons
* Damaged heritage sites
* Foreign involvement
* Human rights violations
* Humanitarian aid
* International demonstrations and protests
* International reactions
* Massacres
* Refugees
* Sectarianism and minorities
* Status of the Golan Heights
* Spillover in Lebanon
* Syrian government reactions

Peace process|

* Arab League monitors
* Friends of Syria Group
* Kofi Annan peace plan
* UN supervision mission
* Lakhdar Brahimi peace plan
* U.S.–Russia peace proposals
* 39th G8 summit
* UN Security Council Resolution 2118
* Geneva II conference
* 2015 Zabadani cease-fire agreement
* Vienna talks
* 2016 Geneva talks
* Idlib demilitarization (2018–present)
* First Northern Syria Demilitarization Deal
* Second Northern Syria Demilitarization Deal
* Syrian Constitutional Committee

War crimes trials|

* Universal jurisdiction trials in Germany

Related topics|

* Exclusive mandate
* Fourth Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit Conference
* International recognition of the Syrian National Council
* Syria Files
* Syrian detainee report
* Syrian media coverage
* 2015 European migrant crisis
* Syrian civil war in popular culture

* Category

* v
* t
* e

Islamic State

Names of the Islamic State

Members
(List of leaders)|

| Current|

* Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurashi
* Abu Hudhayfah Al-Ansari
* Abdul Qadir Mumin
* Abu Fatima al-Jaheishi
* Abu Yusaf
* Abu al-Baraa el-Azdi
* Abu Habib al-Libi
* Abu Jandal al-Masri
* Zulfi Hoxha
* Bajro Ikanović
* Faysal Ahmad Ali al-Zahrani
* Fatiha Mejjati
* Ahlam al-Nasr
* Issam Abuanza
* Musa Baluku

|

† Former|

* Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi
* Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi
* Abu al-Hasan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi
* Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi
* Abu Ahmad al-Alwani
* Haji Bakr
* Abu Usamah al-Maghrebi
* Abu Abdulrahman al-Bilawi
* Abu Muhannad al-Suwaydawi
* Abdul Rauf Aliza
* Abu Sayyaf
* Ali Awni al-Harzi
* Tariq al-Harzi
* Abu Khattab al-Tunisi
* Maher Meshaal
* Abu Muslim al-Turkmani
* Abu Saleh
* Mohammed Emwazi
* Abu Nabil al-Anbari
* Abu Ali al-Anbari
* Abu Waheeb
* Ali Aswad al-Jiburi
* Abu Omar al-Shishani
* El-Hassen Ould Khalill Jouleibib
* Abu Mohammad al-Adnani
* Abu Hamza Al-Qurashi
* Abu Muhammad al-Furqan
* Abu Jandal al-Kuwaiti
* Abu Bilal al-Harbi
* Ahmad Abousamra
* Turki al-Binali
* Tareq Kamleh
* Lavdrim Muhaxheri
* Abu Osama al-Masri
* Abul-Hasan al-Muhajir
* Abu Muhammad al-Shimali
* Gulmurod Khalimov
* Abdul Nasser Qardash (captured)
* Abu Yasser al-Issawi
* Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi
* Abu Hamza Al-Qurashi
* Yusuf al-Hindi
* Abu Omar al-Muhajir (captured)
* Othman al-Nazih
* Jamal Udeen Al-Harith
* Aine Davis (captured)
* Alexanda Kotey (captured)
* El Shafee Elsheikh (captured)
* Denis Cuspert
* Abdelhamid Abaaoud
* Boubaker El Hakim

History|

* Jama'at al-Tawhid wal-Jihad (1999–2004)
* Al-Qaeda in Iraq (2004–2006)
* Mujahideen Shura Council (2006)
* Islamic State of Iraq (2006–2013)
* Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (2013–2014)
* Islamic State (2014–present)

Timeline of events|

* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024

Groups|

| International branches|

* Khorasan Province (Afghanistan and Pakistan)
* Libyan Provinces (Libya)
* Caucasus Province (North Caucasus, Russia)
* Sinai Province (Sinai, Egypt)
* Algeria Province (Algeria)
* Yemen Province (Yemen)
* Abnaa ul-Khilafah (Somalia and Somaliland)
* Bengal Province (Bangladesh)
* Boko Haram (Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Mali) (2015–2016)
* West Africa Province (Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger)
* Central Africa Province (DR Congo and Uganda)
* Sahil Province (Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso)
* Hind Province (India)
* Pakistan Province ((Pakistan)
* Turkey Province (Turkey)
* Mozambique Province (Mozambique)
* Khalid ibn al-Walid Army (Syria) (2016–2018)
* Sheikh Omar Hadid Brigade (Gaza)
* Abu Sayyaf (Philippines)
* Ansar Khalifa (Philippines) (2014–2021)
* Ansar al-Khilafah Brazil (Brazil) (2016–2018)
* East Indonesia Mujahideen (Indonesia) (2014–2022)

|

Unorganized cells|

* Azerbaijan Province (Azerbaijan)
* Jammu and Kashmir Province (Jammu and Kashmir)
* Kurdistan Province (Kurdistan)
* Haramayn Province (Saudi Arabia and Bahrain)
* Lebanon Province (Lebanon)
* Jund al Khilafah in Tunisia (Tunisia)
* Brussels Islamic State terror cell (Belgium)

Wars|

* War on terror
* Iraq War
* Insurgency (2003–2011)
* Iraqi civil war (2006–2008)
* Insurgency (2011–2013)
* War in Iraq (2013–2017)
* Insurgency (2017–present)
* Syrian civil war
* Spillover
* Spillover in Lebanon
* Opposition–Islamic State conflict
* Sinai insurgency
* Second Libyan Civil War
* Insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
* Mozambique
* Islamist insurgency in the Sahel
* Mali War
* War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
* Conflict with Taliban
* Moro conflict (1968–2019)
* al-Qaeda insurgency in Yemen
* Yemeni civil war (2014–present)
* Boko Haram insurgency
* Military intervention against IS
* US intervention in Iraq
* US intervention in Syria
* Russian intervention in Syria
* Turkish operation
* Somalia

Battles|

| 2013|

* Akashat
* Hawija
* Raqqa
* Al-Shabah
* Ras al-Ayn
* Tell Abyad
* Latakia
* Menagh
* Sidi Ali Ben Aoun
* Sadad
* Qalamoun
* Aleppo
* Al-Yaarubiyah
* Tell Hamis and Tell Brak
* Anbar

|

2014|

* Fallujah
* N Aleppo
* Markada
* N Iraq (Jun)
* Mosul
* Salahuddin
* Baiji (Jun)
* Tikrit
* N Iraq (Aug)
* Kobanî
* Sinjar (Aug)
* Derna
* Ramadi
* Deir ez-Zor
* Baiji (14–15)
* Sinjar (Dec)
* Zumar
* Amirli

2015|

* Nofaliya
* W Africa
* Egyptian airstrikes in Libya
* Niger raid
* E al-Hasakah
* Tikrit
* Sirte
* Hama & Homs (Mar–Apr)
* Sarrin (Mar–Apr)
* Yarmouk
* Qalamoun
* Palmyra (May)
* W al-Hasakah
* Al-Hasakah city
* Tell Abyad
* Sarrin (Jun–Jul)
* Al-Hasakah
* Kobani
* Palmyra (Jul–Aug)
* Ramadi (15–16)
* Al-Qaryatayn
* Al-Hawl
* Homs (Nov–Dec)
* Sinjar
* E Aleppo (15–16)
* Niveneh Plains
* Tishrin Dam

2016|

* Deir ez-Zor (Jan)
* Fallujah (Feb–May)
* Nangarhar
* Ben Guerdane
* Ithriyah-Raqqa (Feb–Mar)
* Al-Shaddadi
* Khanasir
* Al-Qaryatayn (Mar–Apr)
* Palmyra (Mar)
* N Aleppo (Mar–Jun)
* Hīt
* Tipo-Tipo
* Sirte
* Ar-Rutbah
* N Raqqa
* Fallujah (May–Jun)
* Manbij
* Ithriyah-Raqqa (Jun)
* Abu Kamal
* al-Rai (Aug)
* N al-Bab (Sep)
* W al-Bab (Sep)
* Dabiq
* W al-Bab (Oct–Nov)
* Al-Bab
* Aleppo
* Palmyra

2017|

* Mosul (16–17)
* Raqqa (16–17)
* Palmyra
* Deir ez-Zor (Jan–Feb)
* E Aleppo (Jan–Apr)
* E Homs
* Hama
* W Nineveh
* Tabqa
* Syrian Desert (Dec 16–Apr 17)
* Syrian Desert (May–Jul)
* Maskanah
* Marawi
* Raqqa
* S Raqqa
* C Syria
* Tal Afar
* Deir ez-Zor (17–19)
* Hawija
* E Syria (Sep–Dec)
* NW Syria (Oct 17–Feb 18)
* Abu Kamal
* W Iraq

2018|

* As-Suwayda (Jun)
* S Syria
* As-Suwayda (Aug–Nov)

2019|

* Hajin
* Baghuz Fawqani
* Barisha raid

2020|

* Chinagodrar
* Danag
* Mocímboa da Praia
* Al Bayda

2021|

* Tessit
* Palma
* Sambisa
* Dangarous

2022|

* Al-Hasakah
* Atme raid
* Andéramboukane
* Talataye

2023|

* Falagountou

Attacks|

| 2014|

* Jewish Museum of Belgium shooting
* Camp Speicher massacre
* Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu ramming

|

2015|

* Hypercacher kosher supermarket siege
* Beheading of Copts in Libya
* Corinthia Hotel
* Al Qubbah bombings
* Bardo National Museum
* Sanaa bombings (Mar)
* Jalalabad bombing
* Curtis Culwell Center
* Qatif & Dammam bombings
* 26 June
* Kobanî massacre
* Saint-Quentin-Fallavier
* Kuwait mosque bombing
* Sousse
* Khan Bani Saad bombing
* Suruç bombing
* Baghdad bombing (Aug)
* Sanaa bombing (Sep)
* Ankara bombings
* Saihat shooting
* Metrojet Flight 9268
* Beirut bombings
* Paris (Nov)
* Tunis bombing
* San Bernardino attack
* Qamishli bombings

2016|

* Zliten truck bombing
* Hurghada
* Istanbul bombing (Jan)
* Jakarta
* Ramadi bombing
* Mahasin mosque
* Sayyidah Zaynab (Jan)
* Mosul massacre
* Homs bombings (Feb)
* Sayyidah Zaynab bombings (Feb)
* Baghdad bombings (Feb)
* Istanbul bombing (Mar)
* Brussels bombings
* Aden bombing
* Iskandariya bombing
* Baghdad bombing (Apr)
* Samawa bombing
* Gaziantep bombing (May)
* Baghdad bombings (11 May)
* Real Madrid fan club massacres
* Baghdad gas plant
* Yemen police bombings (15 May)
* Baghdad bombings (17 May)
* Jableh & Tartous bombings (May)
* Yemen bombings (23 May)
* Aktobe shootings
* Pulse nightclub shooting
* Magnanville stabbing
* Mukalla (Jun)
* Movida Bar
* Atatürk Airport
* Dhaka (Jul)
* Karrada bombing
* Muhammad ibn Ali al-Hadi Mausoleum
* Nice truck
* Würzburg train
* Kabul bombing (Jul)
* Ansbach bombing
* Normandy church
* Qamishli bombings (Jul)
* Charleroi stabbing
* Shchelkovo Highway police station
* Aden bombing (Aug)
* Syria bombings (5 Sep)
* Baghdad bombings (9 Sep)
* Baghdad bombings (Oct)
* Quetta police college
* Hamam al-Alil massacre
* Khuzdar bombing
* Samarinda bombing
* Hillah bombing (Nov)
* Aden bombings (Dec)
* Botroseya bombing
* Al-Karak
* Berlin truck
* Murders of Sefter Taş and Fethi Şahin
* Baghdad bombings (Dec)

2017|

* Istanbul nightclub shooting
* Baghdad bombings (2 Jan)
* Azaz bombing (Jan)
* Sehwan bombing
* Kabul (Mar)
* Westminster
* St Petersburg Metro bombing
* Egypt church bombings
* Mastung bombing
* Manchester Arena bombing
* Jakarta bombings
* Minya
* Al-Faqma bombing
* London Bridge
* Brighton siege
* Tehran
* Pakistan attacks (Jun)
* Hurghada
* Quetta bombing (Aug)
* Barcelona
* Brussels (Aug)
* Nasiriyah
* Afghanistan (20 Oct)
* New York City truck
* Sinai mosque
* Kabul bombing (28 Dec)
* Saint Menas church

2018|

* Baghdad bombings
* Save The Children Jalalabad
* Kizlyar church shooting
* Kabul bombing (Mar)
* Carcasonne & Trèbes
* Kabul bombing (22 Apr)
* Kabul bombings (30 Apr)
* Tripoli
* Mako Brimob standoff
* Paris knife
* Surabaya bombings
* Liège
* Jalalabad bombing (Jul)
* Mastung & Bannu bombings
* Quetta bombing
* As-Suwayda
* Tajikistan attack
* Kabul (Sep)
* Ahvaz military parade
* Minya bus
* Melbourne stabbing
* Murders of Louisa Vesterager Jespersen and Maren Ueland

2019|

* Jolo Cathedral bombings
* Sri Lanka Easter bombings
* Sainthamaruthu shootout
* Kabul bombing (17 Aug)

2020|

* Kabul shooting (6 Mar)
* Kabul gurdwara
* Xitaxi
* Afghanistan (May)
* Jalalabad prison
* Jolo bombings
* Kabul University
* Vienna
* Afghanistan (Dec)

2021|

* Machh
* January Baghdad bombings
* Kabul school bombing
* Kabul airport
* Kunduz bombing
* Kandahar bombing
* Kampala bombings
* Kabul hospital

2022|

* Diyala massacre
* Peshawar mosque
* Hadera shooting
* Mazar-i-Sharif mosque bombing
* Mazar-i-Sharif minivan bombings
* Bourasso and Namissiguima
* Kuje prison break
* 5 August Kabul bombing
* August Kabul mosque bombing
* Bombing of the Russian embassy in Kabul
* Shah Cheragh
* Kabul hotel

2023|

* Kabul airport bombing
* Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan bombing
* Al-Sukhnah
* Hama
* Khar bombing
* Arras school stabbing
* Pul-i-Khumri bombing
* Brussels shooting
* Kabul bombing (Nov)
* Paris
* Mindanao State University bombing

2024|

* Kerman bombings
* Istanbul church shooting
* Balochistan bombings
* Sibi bombing
* Mucojo attack
* Karabulak clash
* Kandahar New Kabul Bank bombing
* Tillabéri attack
* Crocus City Hall attack
* 2024 Guzara Attack
* 2024 Bamyan shooting
* 2024 Beirut US embassy shooting
* Rostov-on-Don pre-trial detention center hostage crisis
* 2024 Dagestan attacks
* 2024 attack on the Israeli embassy in Belgrade
* 2024 Muscat mosque shooting
* 2024 Kabul bus bombing
* Surovikino penal colony hostage crisis
* 2024 Solingen stabbing
* 2024 Qala Bakhtiar bombing
* 2024 Afghanistan bus shooting
* 2024 Qusar attack

Politics and organization|

* Finances
* Ideology
* Medicare
* Military
* Armoured warfare
* Human rights
* Genocide of Christians
* Persecution of Shias
* Genocide of Yazidis
* Genocide of Turkmen
* Persecution of gay and bisexual men
* Killing of captives
* Beheading incidents
* Destruction of cultural heritage
* Occupation of Mosul
* Executions in Mosul

Relations|

* Iran and the Islamic State
* Philippines and the Islamic State
* United Kingdom and the Islamic State
* Trinidad and Tobago and the Islamic State
* Foreign fighters
* Name changes due to the Islamic State
* Portrayal of the Islamic State in American media
* Connection with Saddam Regime and Baath Party

Society|

* Members
* Terrorist cell in Brussels
* Territorial claims
* al-Barakah district
* Collaboration

Media|

* A Second Message to America
* Al-Bayan
* Al-Furat Media Center
* Al-Hayat Media Center
* Al-Naba
* Amaq News Agency
* Dar al-Islam
* Dabiq
* Dawlat al-Islam Qamat
* Huroof
* I'lam foundation
* Istok
* Konstantiniyye
* Rumiyah
* Al-Fatihin
* Salil al-Sawarim

Related topics|

* Defeating ISIS
* ISIS-chan
* Islamism
* Millenarianism
* Sexual violence in the Iraqi insurgency
* Shia–Sunni relations
* Slavery in 21st-century jihadism
* Theocracy

* v
* t
* e

War against the Islamic State

Operations in Syria|

* Iranian intervention in the Syrian civil war
* American rescue mission (4 July 2014)
* US intervention in Syria (22 September 2014 – present)
* Jordanian intervention in Syria (22 September 2014 – present)
* Turkish intervention in Syria (24 August 2016 – 29 March 2017)
* Russian intervention in Syria (30 September 2015 – present)
* French intervention in Syria (November 2015 – present)
* British intervention in Syria (2 December 2015 – present)
* German intervention in Syria (4 December 2015 – 12 January 2022)
* Dutch involvement in the Syrian civil war (29 January 2014 – present)
* Barisha raid (26–27 October 2019)

Operations in Iraq & Kurdistan Region|

* Iranian-led intervention in Iraq (13 June 2014 – present)
* American-led intervention in Iraq (15 June 2014 – 9 December 2021)
* withdrawal
* British intervention in Iraq (9 August 2014 – present)
* Australian intervention in Iraq (31 August 2014 – present)
* Canadian intervention in Iraq (4 September 2014 – present)
* French intervention in Iraq (19 September 2014 – present)
* Turkey–Islamic State conflict
* German intervention in Iraq (4 December 2015 – present)

Operations in Libya|

* Egyptian airstrikes in Libya (16 February 2015)

Operations in Afghanistan|

* Taliban security operations (2015–present)
* American-led intervention in Afghanistan (2015–2021)
* 2017 Nangarhar airstrike

Battles|

* Northern Iraq offensive (June 2014)
* First Battle of Tikrit
* Northern Iraq offensive (August 2014)
* Battle for Mosul Dam
* Battle of Zumar
* Sinjar massacre
* Siege of Amirli
* Siege of Kobanî
* Battle of Suq al Ghazi
* Salahuddin campaign (2014–2016)
* Battle of Baiji (2014–2015)
* Battle of Ramadi (2014–2015)
* Battle of Baiji (2014–2015)
* December 2014 Sinjar offensive
* Derna campaign (2014–2016)
* Eastern al-Hasakah offensive
* Second Battle of Tikrit
* Battle of Sarrin (March–April 2015)
* Anbar campaign (2015–2016)
* Palmyra offensive (May 2015)
* Western al-Hasakah offensive
* Al-Hasakah city offensive (May–June 2015)
* Tell Abyad offensive
* Battle of Sarrin (June–July 2015)
* Battle of al-Hasakah (June–August 2015)
* Kobanî massacre
* Battle of Ramadi (2015–2016)
* 2015 al-Hawl offensive
* November 2015 Sinjar offensive
* Nineveh Plains offensive
* Tishrin Dam offensive
* Siege of Fallujah (2016)
* Al-Shaddadi offensive (2016)
* Northern Aleppo offensive (March–June 2016)
* Battle of Hit (2016)
* Mosul offensive (2016)
* Battle of Sirte (2016)
* Battle of Ar-Rutbah (2016)
* Northern Raqqa offensive (May 2016)
* Third Battle of Fallujah (2016)
* Manbij offensive (2016)
* 2016 Abu Kamal offensive
* Operation Euphrates Shield
* Battle of Mosul (2016–2017)
* Raqqa campaign (2016–2017)
* Battle of Tabqa (2017)
* Battle of Raqqa (2017)
* Syrian Desert campaign (December 2016–April 2017)
* Battle of Tal Afar (2017)
* Deir ez-Zor campaign (2017–2019)
* Battle of Hawija (2017)
* 2017 Western Iraq campaign

Related|

* Defeating ISIS
* Aerial order of battle
* Ground order of battle
* Iran and the Islamic State
* Operation Inherent Resolve
* Timeline of US intervention in the Syrian civil war
* American military intervention in Cameroon
* Response of Saudi Arabia to the Islamic State
* Collaborationism
* List of military awards and decorations of the international military intervention against the Islamic State

* War in Iraq (2013–2017)
* Syrian civil war

*[WIA]: Wounded in action
*[c.]: circa
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template