image FILE -- In this Sunday, April 30, 2017, file photo, provided by the Syria Democratic Forces (SDF), shows a fighter from the SDF carrying weapons as he looks toward the northern town of Tabqa, Syria. As the U.S.-led coalition ratchets up military operations in Syria ahead of a long awaited assault on the Islamic State group’s de facto capital Raqqa, the legacy of an Iraqi train and equip program _ though it has had some success _ is also marked by allegations of abuse and $1 billion dollars in unaccounted for weapons, highlighting the perils of empowering local forces in the fight against IS. (Syrian Democratic Forces, via AP, File)

Two months since start of battle for the IS city of Raqqa

-- News Tags:

The US Envoy to the Coalition against the Islamic State, Brett McGurk revealed that about 2,000 Islamic State fighters are estimated to remain in the Syrian city, fighting for their survival in the face of the ongoing offensive by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Force. McGurk said, “Today in Raqqa ISIS is fighting for every last block, and trying to defend blocks that they are about to lose. They are fighting for their own survival,” while adding that the United States estimates “that there are about 2,000 ISIS fighters left in Raqqa. I am always hesitant to give number like that because this is an inexact science.. we think there are about 2,00 ISIS fighters left in Raqqa. And they will most likely die in Raqqa.” The operation to capture the city of Raqqa by the SDF forces, which are backed by US Special Forces and the international coalition’s aerial support, entered its second months yesterday, with and estimated casualty count of some 1,500 people since the beginning of the fight. According to a rough estimate, about 55 percent of the city is currently under the control of the SDF, with the battles against the Islamic State, which rejects any surrender, becoming increasingly deadlier.