Aleteia logoAleteia logoAleteia
Thursday 28 March |
Holy Thursday of the Supper of the Lord
Aleteia logo
News
separateurCreated with Sketch.

U.S.-backed forces defeat ISIS in its “capital”

SDF RAQA

BULENT KILIC I AFP

A member of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by US special forces, holds up their flag at the iconic Al-Naim square in Raqa on October 17, 2017. US-backed forces said they had taken full control of Raqa from the Islamic State group, defeating the last jihadist holdouts in the de facto Syrian capital of their now-shattered "caliphate". / AFP PHOTO / BULENT KILIC

Zelda Caldwell - published on 10/17/17

The liberation of Raqqa, Syria is a major blow to jihadists' plan to establish a caliphate

Please consider a gift for Aleteia!
Help us spread the joy of Christ's victory.
Aleteia depends on your support.

Join our Lenten Campaign 2024.

DONATE NOW

In what is seen as a decisive victory in the fight against ISIS, US-backed forces have defeated jihadists in Raqqa, Syria, in what was once the capital of their would-be caliphate.

The recapture of Raqqa was met with jubilation after three years of repressive rule in which people were beheaded for offenses as minor as smoking, according to a New York Times report.

United States military forces did not go as far as to declare victory, however, saying “more than 90 percent of Raqqa is in S.D.F. [Syrian Democratic Forces] control.” The S.D.F. is a coalition of U.S.-backed Arab and Kurdish fighters.

“Major military operations in Raqqa are finished but they are now clearing the city of sleeper cells — if they exist — and mines,” Talal Salo, spokesman for the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, CNN reported.

“The situation in Raqqa is under control and soon there will be an official statement declaring the liberation of the city,” he said.

The fall of Raqqa is seen as a major setback for ISIS, following the loss of their second major city in three months. ISIS was defeated in Mosul, Iraq in July.

Occupying territory was a key component of the Islamic State’s strategy. Without a literal “state” of their own ISIS is expected to have a harder time convincing recruits to sacrifice everything for their cause.

Matthew Spencer, a former Pentagon official during the Obama Administration, told Vox earlier this summer that losing Raqqa would be a major defeat for ISIS.

“When an enemy holds territory, it helps with recruiting, showing their real and perceived strengths, and provides a base of operations.”




Read more:
12 Things to Know About “What ISIS Really Wants”

Tags:
Islamist Militants
Support Aleteia!

Enjoying your time on Aleteia?

Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you.

Thanks to their partnership in our mission, we reach more than 20 million unique users per month!

Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting and transformative Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.

Support Aleteia with a gift today!

Gif-Anglais.gif
Daily prayer
And today we celebrate...




Top 10
See More
Newsletter
Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. Subscribe here.