Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced the balance sheet of the Operation Wrath of Euphrates for 4 days. Below is the SDF statement read out by Wrath of Euphrates Operation Room Spokesperson Cîhan Şêx Ehmed:

“The third phase of the Operation Wrath of Euphrates began on February 4, 2017, and has southern and eastern branches. The first branch set off from the Xinêz village of Silûk and has advanced a distance of 18 kms. The second branch set off from the Bîrbeha village of Mekmen and has advanced 16 kms. Thus, there is now 22 kms left between us and Raqqa. Both branches of our operation are close to one another now.

Our forces have made important advances during the offensives over the past 4 days, during which 9 villages and many hamlets were liberated from ISIS, and many ammunition and a military vehicle were seized. Our forces destroyed 2 vehicles, 2 motorcycles, one reconnaissance plane and several military bases. Our forces seized the bodies of 18 gang members.

SDF forces are currently besieging Abû Sûsa and Mixêzile villages and the clashes are ongoing. We will liberate these villages in the following hours.

Our efforts to demine the liberated areas continue. RMCO teams have cleared more than 200 mines planted by gang groups in liberated areas. Villagers were able to return to Mishrafa and Bîrsaîd villages after the clearance of mines in this area. Civilians are evacuated and moved to secure zones during the operations carried out by both branches.

ISIS gangs carried out a car bomb attack and heavily injured a local as they attacked civilians trying to escape and seek refuge by SDF forces. The fighters rescued the civilians, sent them to secure zones and provided emergency medical intervention.

RMCO teams will soon demine all of the liberated areas and enable the safe return of citizens.

Our operation continues. Our goal is to liberate northeast Raqqa and cut ISIS access by cutting off all supply routes to Raqqa. In this way, we will leave ISIS without breath in Raqqa."