Updated Oct. 17, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.
Raqqa was declared fully liberated from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria on this day in 2017.
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Why was Raqqa so important in the Syrian Civil War?
Raqqa was of strategic importance because it served as the self-proclaimed capital of ISIS and was a center for the group’s operations in Syria. Capturing Raqqa was a key objective for various anti-ISIS forces, including the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and international coalition forces.
Who were the main forces involved in the liberation of Raqqa?
The main forces involved in the liberation of Raqqa included the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-Arab alliance, and coalition forces led by the United States. They worked together in a campaign known as Operation Inherent Resolve to drive ISIL out of Raqqa. The offensive to retake the city began in early June 2017 and concluded with the declaration of liberation in October 2017. The operation involved intense urban combat and the clearing of booby traps and mines left by ISIL.
How did the liberation of Raqqa affect the overall dynamics of the Syrian Civil War?
The liberation of Raqqa was one of several significant developments in the Syrian Civil War. It reshaped the balance of power and territorial control among various factions, including the Syrian government, rebel groups, and Kurdish forces. The conflict continued, albeit with shifting alliances and priorities.
