A commander from the US -backed Syria Democratic Forces (SDF) alliance said American ground forces were “taking part” in operations north of Raqqa.
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“Special operations forces in the past. have conducted themselves in such a way that they might operate in an atmosphere in which they are supportive of that local force in their advise and assist role”, he said. “The alliance [SDF] and the coalition will make a decision on the issue”, Selo said.
The SDF has insisted its current campaign is only for the rural area north of Raqqa city, but the de facto capital is expected to be the end goal.
The SDF announced its planned offensive against the Daesh “capital” of Raqqa last week and said it was ready to cooperate with Russian Federation.
In response, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow was prepared to coordinate efforts with the US-led coalition and the SDF to liberate the Daesh stronghold.
Operation Inherent Resolve has largely consisted, from the US standpoint, of airstrikes against ISIS positions in both Syria and Iraq.
Warren acknowledged that the soldiers were north of Raqqa, the self-proclaimed capital of the Islamic State.
On Sunday, Gen. Joseph Votel, chief of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), paid a surprise visit to Syria.
Without confirming or denying that it was an American wearing a YPG patch, Cook said that it was not unusual for Special Forces units to adopt the insignia of partnering groups they advise and assist.
An SDF field commander told AFP that United States ground forces were “taking part” in operations north of Raqa.
Backed by the US-led coalition’s air cover, the SDF has been advancing against ISIS militants in the northern countryside of Raqqa province over the past few days. Because the SDF and its backers want to not only retake the city but also to hold and govern it, they will need a sizable Arab force if they hope to achieve their objectives with local support.
The US is backing twin assaults on ISIS – one for Raqqa province, and one for the Iraqi city of Fallujah across the border.
The Pentagon maintains that US troops in Syria and Iraq are primarily involved in training and assisting local forces fighting Islamic State militants. She adds that the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces say the goal is to “seize the countryside north of Raqqa, and that forces from the USA -led coalition will accompany the campaign”.
The ultra-hardline group has been fighting against rebels inthe area for several months.
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Congressman Adam Schiff said he believes it will take time before there is a real push to retake Raqqa. The Obama administration has been open about its support for the coalition, which includes Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), and its deployment of special forces in Syria. “It may not be short-term or mid-term, but besieging the city and blocking IS movements is also very important”, said Washington-based analyst Mutlu Civiroglu.
