US-Equipped Forces Penetrate Daesh Defenses in Raqqa - Special Envoy

The US-equipped Syrian Democratic Forces have advanced to the center of Raqqa, US Presidential Envoy Brett McGurk said in a meeting of US-led coalition members on Thursday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US-equipped and trained Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have advanced to the center of Raqqa, the de facto capital of Daesh (banned in Russia), but are suffering severe losses in the process, US Presidential Envoy Brett McGurk said in a meeting of US-led coalition members on Thursday.

"In Raqqa, the battle is ongoing and quite intense," McGurk commented. "SDF has penetrated into the center of the city overcoming multiple defensive barricades, IED [improvised explosive devices] belts, suicide bombers, snipers and armored vehicles."

McGurk noted that the SDF has suffered significant casualties in the process and more will come as it attempts to clear Raqqa of Islamic State fighters.

The SDF commenced operations to retake Raqqa from Daesh on November 6, 2016.