“They can also celebrate the remarkable turnaround their security forces have made in the course of the past three years,” the general said.
Raqqa Liberation Closer
Turning to Syria, the Syrian Democratic Force began its assault to liberate Raqqa on June 5, and 37 days later, they have completely surrounded the city and made good progress on both their eastern and western axes of attack, Townsend said..
The SDF breached into the ancient citadel of Old Raqqa in the central part of the city, he said.
“We should not forget that ISIS has had more than three years to prepare the defense of Raqqa,” Townsend said. “While SDF operations are off to a good start, resistance has been stiffening, and we know this is not going to be an easy fight. We said that about Mosul, but many seem to be surprised when it turned out to be true.”
ISIS Leader Status Unknown
With varying reports on the whereabouts of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the general said he is unable confirm or deny where he is or whether he is alive or dead. “Let me just say for the record, my fervent hope is it is the latter,” he added.
With the battle against ISIS not over, the terrorist group remains a threat, and an evil enemy that will resort to any lengths to maintain its hold on territory it claims as their caliphate, the general said.
“But make no mistake, it is a losing cause,” Townsend said of the organization. “Our partners in the international coalition against ISIS will stand side-by-side against ISIS until they're defeated in both Iraq and Syria.”
(Source: US Dept of Defense)
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