United States and Kurdish Forces Corner Islamic State’s Defense of Raqqa

As war ravages throughout the Middle East, the United States and Kurdish-led Syrian forces continue to push for victory against the Islamic State (IS), fighting to gain control of its capital, the city of Raqqa.  As of 4:20 PM yesterday (May 11), about seventy IS fighters retreated from Tabqa, an IS base used for planning operations—it is evident that success for both the United States and Kurdish-led Syria is imminent. 

With the capture of Tabqa, IS forces are heavily overwhelmed with efforts to defend of Raqqa. Colonel John Dorrian notes that the capture of Tabqa is “yet another victory” not only militarily, but also humanitarian-wise, due to countless landmines that have been laid around a dam in Tabqa.  If these mines were to have been detonated, the consequences would have been devastating.  Luckily, with the capture of the town, efforts have been taken to dismantle the land mines under the dam, expelling the imminent threat for many civilians. 

President Trump has since then taken steps to arm Kurdish forces in Syria, working to occupy the remaining Islamic State stronghold.  Dana W. White of the Pentagon describes that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are “the only force on the ground that can successfully seize Raqqa in the near future.”  Thus, it is appropriate that the United States assists the SDF with arms in order to accomplish the common goal of seizing Raqqa.

But, this decision can be seen as a risky one—Trump’s decision to assist the SDF has put the relationship between the United States and Turkey on thin ice.  Missy Ryan of The Washington Post says:

“The decision… is sure to enrage Turkey, which views the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), which make up the largest share of the SDF, as an existential threat.  Ankara has repeatedly rebuked the United States for supporting the YPG, which has emerged as the Pentagon’s premier partner force against the Islamic State in Syria.” 

The Trump administration has claimed that their intention to assist Kurdish-led Syria in the seizing of Raqqa was not hidden or private; officials have stated that “the Raqqa operation would require direct weapons shipments and upgraded equipment as local forces maneuver through minefields and other obstacles leading into the city”—consequently, the Turkish government should fully understand and abide by the circumstances. 

Turkish officials seem to publicly disagree with the American decision in the matter, believing that such arms and weapons will enable “one terrorist group to fight another”.  Yet, they have acknowledged the situation in private and have accepted the decision with the United States.  As a result, the raging conflict seems to be taking small steps towards a peaceful resolution, despite being tumultuous at the moment. 

Featured Image via Wikimedia