Raqqa – The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Sunday announced the liberation of 98 villages in the eastern countryside of Raqqa, after clashes with Islamic State’s (ISIS) militants.“Our forces have liberated 98 villages in an area measuring approximately 700 square kilometers in Eastern Raqqa. The progress comes as part of the Third Phase of the Euphrates Wrath Operation launched nine days ago,” SDF spokeswoman Cihan Ehmed said.
At least 124 ISIS militants were killed and dozens more wounded in the recent clashes, according to military sources.
“Our specialized teams have also dismantled 1256 landmines in the liberated areas,” Cihan said.
The SDF has also seized a large deal of ammunition and weapons from ISIS during the campaign for Eastern Raqqa.
During the first phase of Euphrates Wrath, which began on November 6, 2016, the SDF liberated roughly 560 km² in Northern Raqqa.
On 10 December, the SDF launched the second phase of the Euphrates Wrath, during which it captured over 2500 km² in Western Raqqa. The polyethnic alliance also confirmed that they had cleared 196 villages and dozens of farms.
On 4 February, the Syrian Democratic Forces announced the launch of the third phase of Euphrates Wrath Operation in Eastern Raqqa.
The campaign is ultimately aimed at isolating the ISIS radical group in its de facto capital.