WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The operation by the US-led coalition to force the Daesh out of the Syrian-Turkish border region has cleared 50 villages in northern Syria, Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman Col. John Dorrian said at a briefing Thursday.
"In Syria, Operation Noble Lance — the operation with Turkey and their partnered forces — has liberated approximately 50 villages to date, further isolating the areas in the north of Syria surrounding Raqqa," Dorrian told reporters.
Dorrian said the operation has further isolated the Daesh in pockets around Raqqa, the Syrian stronghold of the Daesh.
Dorrian said the US-led coalition has conducted more than 100 airstrikes against the group's supply routes to limit their ability to freely move in and out of Raqqa.
The city of Raqqa became the Islamic State's capital in Syria after it was captured by the group in 2014. In October, the Pentagon said the offensive to isolate the city would begin shortly.