Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Spokesman Talal Silo answered press members' questions after the press conference held al-Hazima town of Raqqa today, in which launch of the 'Great Battle' for Raqqa was officially announced.

Asked how the operation will progress, Silo said the campaign has been launched from the eastern, northern and western sides of the Raqqa city, saying: “Our forces are at the stage of entering the city from the western direction and the 'Great Battle' has thus been launched.”

In response to a question when the operation will be finalised, Silo said no date has been set for the end of the operation to liberate Raqqa.

Regarding the allegations of Russia and the Turkish state that “ISIS made a deal with SDF to evacuate the city”, Silo said: “Claims that our forces have made a deal for the leave of the gangs from the city are not true. This is not the way we work. We have responsibilities for our people.”

Following Silo's remarks, a statement on behalf of the Raqqa Civilian Assembly was made by the Assembly member Firas Memduh, who said the following:

“During these historic moments, the world is holding its breath awaiting Raqqa battle declaration, and we in Raqqa Civilian Assembly announce to the world that Syrian Democratic Forces will fulfill their promise and liberate the Raqqa city just like they cleared a large part of Syrian lands of terrorists.”

Memduh thanked the US-led global coalition forces for their support to SDF and said “Long Live Syrian Democratic Forces”, “Martyrs are Immortal” and “Victory to Democratic Unified Syria”.