The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces fighters carry their weapons in Raqqa's western neighborhood of Jazra, Syria June 11, 2017. As the Syrian Democratic Forces battle the Islamic State militant group (ISIS) for its de facto capital city, the Syrian army and allies have advanced with Russian and Iranian support against ISIS toward Raqqa's western countryside. RODI SAID/REUTERS
Newsweek: Russia and US Military Forces Are Now Battling ISIS in Raqqa, but Not As Allies
The Russia-backed Syrian military made a lightning advance Tuesday into the Islamic State militant group (ISIS) stronghold of Raqqa, opening a new front against the jihadists as they face a separate assault from local forces supported by the U.S.
The advancing Syrian army and its allies, which also include Iran and various militias supportive of President Bashar al-Assad, met the defense lines of the Syrian Democratic Forces, a U.S.-backed, majority-Kurd coalition of Arabs and ethnic minorities. The two groups, both of which are heavily involved in the fight against ISIS, have clashed and allied at various time in the past, but current U.S. tensions with Assad allies Russia and Iran have raised concerns that a competition to overtake Raqqa city could spark a new conflict between the oncoming forces.
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WNU Editor: Both sides are focused on defeating ISIS .... the big worry is what happens after ISIS has been defeated, and will U.S. forces remain in Syria to protect their Syrian allies. In the past .... with Presidents Bush/Obama .... I would predict that the U.S. would leave when the fighting had ended, and leave their allies at the mercy of others. In this battle .... I have no idea on what President Trump will do.
Update: I agree .... The Complexity Of Syria’s War Is Catching Up To The US (Danny Leffler, Task & Purpose).
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