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The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), supported by the US-led coalition, has captured 6 districts from the ISIS terrorist group in the town of Tabqa in the province of Raqqah.
SDF fighters have got control of Harat Al-Mahaja, Al-Busrabah, Abu Aish, Al-Kanisah al-Ashuria, Al-Kassara, Al-Masaar. Thus, over 70% of Tabqa is now under the SDF control. The SDF began removing mines and searching weapons in the recaptured areas. The US-led coalition’s warplanes and helicopters carreid out over 20 airstrikes on ISIS in Tabqa.
Meanwhile, ISIS fighters completely withdrew to the northern districts of Tabqa and the Tabqa dam. There are speculations that they may withdraw across the river to the outside of the town of Tabqa.
Pro-SDF sources have reported the ISIS has a desire to withdraw from Tabqa. The rapid progress of the SDF in the town may lead to a possibility that such an agreement could be reached soon. The SDF implemented a similar approach in Manbij.
Local sources also reported that a child had lost his life as a result of a US-led collation airstrike on the Directorate of Agriculture in Raqqa.
Why let ISIS go to fight again??? sounds dumb to me, especially after surrounding them. Anyone who is maimed or disabled, sure but not fighting fit men!
There cannot be many left as their losses have been horrendous.
They cannot leave overland as they are completely cut off.
In principle, if IS had small river or lake boats, they could evacuate by these small boats, were the SDF to refrain from shelling them.
It could be the SDF will make the calculation that letting them go, without any heavier weapons, would give the SDF a tactical advantage. Less own losses, gain of materiel, sooner release of now occupied fighters to the Raqqah front or, god forbid, an opening turkish front.
The old saying is : Always leave your enemies a way out. A trapped enemy is the most dangerous.
The way out is via a lengthy prison term.
When are they reopening Tabqa airbase? How is that going? when will it be ready to receive C-5s with M-1’s? Glad to see YPG is still advancing instead of going north.