Syrian Democratic Forces launched the final phase of liberating Raqqa

The American-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have launched the final phase of the offensive on Raqqa, a Syrian city used by ISIL members as their capital, writes Danas, reports the Patria agency.

The stronghold of the so-called Islamic State (IS) is under attack from three sides, as confirmed by Kino Gabriel, spokesperson for the Assyrian militia MFS. This militia is part of the multi-ethnic SDF military alliance and is fighting in Raqqa with two units, along with Kurdish, Arab, and Turkmen militias, reports the correspondent of the German newspaper Welt from Beirut.

- From the north, west, and east, SDF forces have approached the self-proclaimed IS capital within a kilometer. To the south, Raqqa borders the Euphrates River. Terrorist group fighters can only cross the river by boat, as US combat aircraft have destroyed all bridges. If they try to flee across the water, IS fighters will be an easy target for air strikes - says Gabriel.

When the IS stronghold could be captured - Kino Gabriel could not say.

- It certainly won't be fast, we have to take care of the civilian population. According to estimates, there should still be 400,000 men, women, and children in Raqqa. We must protect their lives. Terrorists are using civilians as human shields - Gabriel explained.

The SDF launched the operation "Wrath of the Euphrates" in November 2016. Advancing towards Raqqa, the SDF had to liberate large areas with numerous cities and villages from IS before encircling their last major base in Syria.

From the administration of the new American president Donald Trump, the SDF is receiving far more military support than was the case during the term of his predecessor Barack Obama, writes the German Welt. Trump has not only increased military aid deliveries but has also stationed a total of 2,000 soldiers to fight IS in Syria.

- All weapons went to the Kurdish militias. Unfortunately, we received nothing, even though IS is attacking us Christians - said Gabriel.

In addition to American troops, elite French units are also stationed in Syria, supporting the offensive on Raqqa. This city in northern Syria has been under IS control since the summer of 2014, when jihadists expelled Syrian rebels from it.