Syrian Democratic Forces in Raqqa

On June 6, the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched an offensive on the northern city Raqqa, the Islamic State’s (IS) de facto capital in the country. SDF fighters have been advancing toward Raqqa since November, closing off north, east, and west access points, with the aid of U.S. airstrikes and artillery. The launching of Tuesday’s attack marks the final phase of their plan to retake the city from IS.

The SDF, formed in 2015, is made up of mainly Kurdish and Arab fighters whose end goal is the establishment of a self-governing Syria, and an autonomous federal region in the area under their control. Multiple groups are a part of this coalition including the People’s Protection Units (YPG), Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) and the Syriac Military Council (MFS).

Not everyone is happy about the partnership between the U.S. and the SDF. Turkey accuses the YPG group, part of the SDF, of being front for the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is a terrorist organization in Turkey and the United States, and which has fought an ongoing conflict with the Turkish government for decades.

The U.S. Department of Defense maintains that the SDF is the most effective partner in fighting IS, and has accepted SDF claims that it is not tied to the PKK.

The conflict between Kurds and Turks began in 1923 when the Treaty of Sèvres, granting Kurds independence, was replaced by the Treaty of Lausanne, revoking such autonomy. Since then Turkey has been home to uprisings, ethnicity clashes, and Kurdish calls for independence. The PKK was founded in 1978 and launched an armed struggle against Turkey in 1984. The group is currently listed as a terrorist organization.

Tensions continue to run high between the U.S. and Turkey, an important ally in the area, as the operation against jihadists in Raqqa moves forward. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim says that relations between the two countries “will be harmed” and Turkey will take action if the offensive poses as a threat.

Though Turkey remains belligerent towards the attack, the SDF launching comes at a crucial point in the fight against IS. Forces are closing in on IS and are likely to succeed in their launched attacks. This puts IS in a difficult position in the Middle East.

Seized by IS in 2014, Raqqa has since become one of its most central and important cities. According to U.S. General Joseph Votel, it is “the financial, leadership, and external ops center” of IS. As IS begins to lose its grip on Raqqa, it faces a significant loss of power in Syria.

The offensive comes as IS also vies for control over Mosul, another key city for the group. Iraqi forces launched their offensive to take back the city in October and the battle is still underway.

The battle for Raqqa is expected to be a long one. If and when the SDF takes the city, the group plans to turn it into a provincial government, one where local civilians have authority. Not surprisingly, the Syrian government is not in favor of this plan and has reportedly proceeded to send troops to Raqqa, which will only lengthen and complicate the fighting already taking place.

Over the past two years, IS has lost as much as 30% of its territory in Iraq and Syria.

Some may view this as the beginning of the end to IS. However, the most recent terrorist attacks in Iran, Iraq, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere illustrate otherwise. Though its territory and presence may be waning in the Middle East, IS has proven that its influence knows no bounds.

It is capable of reaching almost anywhere and the jihadist group will continue to fight for a global caliphate. Still, disagreement between factions over who will rule in previously-held IS territory will continue to slow the offensive and effort against the jihadist group.