US-backed forces breach wall around ISIS capital

U.S.-backed forces have reportedly breached an ancient wall around Raqqa, Syria, the self-declared capital of ISIS.

According to Tuesday reports, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have accessed Raqqa’s Old City after breaking through the 8th century Rafiqah Wall. Islamic State forces have held Raqqa for more than a year.

Brett McGurk, the U.S. envoy to the anti-ISIS coalition, called the news a “key milestone” in efforts “to liberate the city,” which began in earnest on June 6.

Syrian Democratic Forces late tonight entered the old city in central #Raqqa, key milestone in campaign to liberate the city. #SDF #ISIS pic.twitter.com/YOmDBPsufR

— Brett McGurk (@brett_mcgurk) July 4, 2017

{mosads}

The campaign to retake the Syrian city comes as coalition fighters are also seeking to uproot the last ISIS fighters in Mosul, the second-largest city in Iraq. Fighting there has raged since last fall.

Raqqa is the last major stronghold in the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria’s self-proclaimed caliphate.

“It’s hard to convince new recruits that ISIS is a winning cause when they just lost their twin ‘capitals’ in both Iraq and Syria,” said coalition commander Gen. Steve Townsend, according to CNN.