raqqa

Subscribe to NPR's Up First Email

U.S.-Backed Fighters Begin Offensive To Push ISIS From Its 'Capital'

Fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces and other U.S.-backed troops have been preparing to take control of Raqqa for months. AP hide caption

toggle caption

The Two-Way

U.S.-Backed Fighters Begin Offensive To Push ISIS From Its 'Capital'

June 6, 2017 • Raqqa is the most important stronghold for the militant group in Syria and fell under its control in 2014. This offensive is expected to be difficult and is seen as pivotal in the fight against ISIS.

Big Changes And Major Dilemmas Loom In Next Phase Of ISIS War In Syria

U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, made up of an alliance of Arab and Kurdish fighters, regroup on the northern outskirts of Deir Ezzor as they advance to encircle the ISIS bastion of Raqqa on Feb. 21. Delil Souleiman/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption

Delil Souleiman/AFP/Getty Images

Parallels

Big Changes And Major Dilemmas Loom In Next Phase Of ISIS War In Syria

March 23, 2017 • The U.S. considers deploying hundreds more American troops to Syria in the final phase of the war against ISIS — one that could reshape borders and relationships in the Middle East.

Big Changes And Major Dilemmas Loom In Next Phase Of ISIS War In Syria

Listen · 4:48 4:48

Download
Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/521270804/521274767" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
Transcript

U.S.-Backed Fighters Push Forward In 2 Key Offensives Against ISIS

U.S.-backed fighters rest during fighting with the Islamic State group near Ein Issa, north of Raqqa, Syria, as shown in a video by Qasioun, a Syrian opposition media outlet. AP hide caption

toggle caption

The Two-Way

U.S.-Backed Fighters Push Forward In 2 Key Offensives Against ISIS

November 7, 2016 • Two offensives in two countries are aimed at retaking Syria's Raqqa and Iraq's Mosul. Raqqa is the Islamic State's de facto capital, while Mosul is the group's most important stronghold in Iraq.