U.S.-backed rebels target IS “capital” Raqqa

A U.S.-backed alliance of Syrian forces has launched an operation
to retake Raqqa, de facto capital of Islamic State, opening another
front against the jihadi group as Iraqi troops battle to reclaim Mosul

SYRIA DEMOCRATIC FORCES (SDF) Alliance of Kurdish and ethnic Arab militia dominated by Kurdish Popular Protection Units (YPG) – key ally on ground in Syria for U.S.-led coalition against IS

Up to 25,000 fighters of SDF’s 30,000-strong force estimated to
come from YPG

Turkey: Considers YPG to be terror organisation and says it will not accept role for Kurds in liberation of Raqqa

Raqqa: Offensive could stop IS fighters retreating from Iraq to Syria as Mosul operation progresses

Mosul: Iraqi troops facing fierce resistance in densely populated
districts of city

Aleppo Mediterranean Sea LEB. Homs Damascus JORDAN Ain Issa Kobane Qaim TURKEY SYRIA Palmyra Rutba IRAQ Ramadi IRAN Irbil Kirkuk Tikrit Baghdad 100km 60 miles 

Areas of control as of Nov 7, 2016
Syrian regime and allies
Iraqi government
So-called Islamic State (Daesh)
Kurdish-led forces
Other Syrian rebel groups

Sources: IHS Conflict Monitor, ISW, Wire agencies

Picture: Getty Images