Raqqa, Syria. The “Wrath of the Euphrates” offensive against the Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL, Daesh) capital, Raqqa, begins. This was announced at a press conference by Jihan Seikh Hasan, Kurdish spokesman for the SDF and YPG. The forces, numbering over 30,000 fighters, are 80% civilians and include Kurds, Christians, and Arabs, with a preponderance of Kurdish YPG elements. Air support is being provided by the United States and its allies.
