US colonel: Tough battle ahead in Syria's Raqqa

BEIRUT — A U.S. military spokesman says there remains still tough fighting ahead after U.S.-backed Syrian fighters linked up their eastern and western font lines in the northern city of Raqqa.

U.S. Army Col. Ryan Dillon said in an email to The Associated Press that although the Syrian Democratic Forces linked up their east and west axis on the southern edge of the city of Raqqa, this does not in fact cut the city in two.

Dillon says the significance is that the SDF, despite ISIS’ best efforts, have successfully battled across the entire city from both sides and have joined forces.

The U.S. spokesman says this shows the steady progress the SDF fighters are making against IS in the militants’ self-declared capital.

[U.S-backed Kurdish fighters control more than half of Raqqa]

SDF fighters have been on the offensive to capture Raqqa since June. 6, under the cover of airstrikes by the U.S.-led coalition.

In Other News

MacArthur still endures as a larger-than-life figure — for good or ill

Few subjects in military history are more loaded than public perception of Douglas MacArthur.

US Naval Community College launches health science program

The Navy’s community college is partnering with Western Governors University to provide sailors with an associate degree in health science.

January 6 convict asks for light sentence in order to remain in Navy

An active-duty service member convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack urged a judge for a light sentence in order to remain in the Navy.

Agreement helps military spouses keep federal jobs in overseas moves

Here's how an agreement between the Pentagon and State Department will help federally employed military spouses move their jobs overseas in a PCS.

Navy ship underway for Gaza pier mission suffers fire, returns to US

The cargo ship 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo suffered a fire in its engine room Thursday, forcing it to return to Florida, the Navy said.

Load More