Battle of Raqqa (2017)

{{Main|Raqqa campaign (2016–2017)|Battle of Tabqa}}

In 2015, ISIL began to fortify the city and its surrounding areas with bunkers and a network of tunnels.{{Cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/world/middle-east/is-begins-to-fortify-raqqa-ahead-of-international-strikes-on-syria-reports/news-story/0ca197039f81b39a685ce04a57daef5|title=IS begins to fortify Raqqa ahead of international strikes on Syria|publisher=News.com.au|access-date=2017-06-19}}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

By June 2017, Raqqa remained the only major Syrian city fully under ISIL control and was, therefore, its effective center of operations. With its large number of foreign fighters, Raqqa was a planning center for terrorist attacks against European cities.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/06/middleeast/raqqa-great-battle-begins-tim-lister/index.html|title=Battle for Raqqa: 7 things you need to know|first=Tim |last=Lister|date=6 June 2017 |publisher=CNN|access-date=2017-06-11}} The Raqqa campaign was launched by the SDF on 6 November 2016 in an effort to capture the city, and it had resulted in the SDF capturing a large amount of territory in the Raqqa Governorate from ISIL, including the city of al-Thawrah, and the infrastructure at Tabqa Dam and Baath Dam.

As many as 500 US special forces operated on the ground in northern Syria in support of the Raqqa campaign. The US and other coalition members supplied heavy weapons, intelligence collection, communications support and other assistance to the SDF as part of their intervention in the conflict. The battle began in the wake of a tumultuous period for the coalition, as internal pressures had been elevated by the Qatar diplomatic crisis, which had seen diplomatic relations between Qatar and other coalition members severed, and was publicly supported by President Donald Trump.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/06/world/middleeast/us-backed-forces-begin-assault-on-raqqa.html|title=U.S.-Backed Forces Begin Assault on Raqqa, ISIS Stronghold in Syria|first=Anne|last=Barnard|date=6 June 2017|newspaper=The New York Times}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/06/world/middleeast/trump-qatar-saudi-arabia.html|title=Trump Takes Credit for Saudi Move Against Qatar, a U.S. Military Partner|first=Mark|last=Landler|date=6 June 2017|newspaper=The New York Times}}

Local residents stated that many ISIL militants had already abandoned the city and traveled to Deir ez-Zor in anticipation of the impending attack on their capital. ISIL assaulted the regime's enclave in Deir ez-Zor, which at the time was split between ISIL and the Syrian government, launching a series of strong attacks against the Syrian Army from June to August.{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/pictures-isis-throws-military-power-syrian-army-besieged-deir-ezzor/|title=In pictures: ISIS throws all its military power against the Syrian Army in besieged Deir Ezzor|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=June 11, 2017|access-date=February 19, 2019|archive-date=February 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220074556/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/pictures-isis-throws-military-power-syrian-army-besieged-deir-ezzor/|url-status=dead}}

It was reported by AFP that in a US airstrike, 21 civilians were killed while attempting to flee Raqqa by dinghy on the Euphrates River. The event was also reported by Al Jazeera, but with uncertainty as to who carried out the bombing."[https://web.archive.org/web/20170605225824/https://www.afp.com/en Beirut (AFP) - 06/05/2017 - 22:50]" (Top site flash "US-led strike kills 21 civilians fleeing Syria's Raqa"), afp.com, 5 June 2017. Retrieved 6 June 2017. Archived on the Internet Archive."[https://www.afp.com/fr/infos/335/syrie-21-civils-fuyant-raqa-tues-dans-une-frappe-de-la-coalition Syrie : 21 civils fuyant Raqa tués dans une frappe de la coalition]" {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606023908/https://www.afp.com/fr/infos/335/syrie-21-civils-fuyant-raqa-tues-dans-une-frappe-de-la-coalition |date=2017-06-06}} {{in lang|fr}}, afp.com, 5 June 2017. Retrieved 6 June 2017.Jack Moore. "[http://www.newsweek.com/us-coalition-kills-21-civilians-raqqa-raid-forces-breach-isis-capital-621461 U.S.-Led Coalition Airstrike Kills 21 Civilians as Forces Breach ISIS Capital Raqqa, Monitors Say]", newsweek.com, 6 June 2017. Retrieved 6 June 2017."[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/06/sdf-launch-major-offensive-capture-isil-held-raqqa-170606072328034.html SDF launch major offensive to capture ISIL-held Raqqa]", aljazeera.com, June 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2017.Tidningarnas Telegrambyrå. "[https://www.svd.se/usa-ledd-flygrad-kravde-20-civila-liv USA-ledd flygräd krävde 20 civila liv]" {{in lang|sv}}, Svenska Dagbladet, 5 June 2017. Retrieved 9 June 2017. (N.b. the headline reads "20 civilians" while the article reads "at least 21 civilians".)

File:SDF vehicles in Raqqa.png and pickup truck in Raqqa]]

The United States Air Force conducted heavy airstrikes on Raqqa the day before the battle.[https://apnews.com/9b851a1615434bd8b76fcaefdc0abc91/The-Latest:-US-backed-Syrian-force-attacks-IS-held-Raqqa "The Latest: US-backed Syrian force attacks IS-held Raqqa"]. The Associated Press The battle was officially launched by the SDF in the dawn of 6 June 2017. The offensive came from Raqqa's north, east, and west. Supported by US airstrikes, the SDF attacked the former base of the 17th Division north of Raqqa and the Mashlab district in the southeastern part of the city. By the end of the day, the SDF captured more than half of Mashlab district and also attacked the Andalus district in the northwest. The SDF also captured the village of al-Jazra.{{cite web|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-raqqa-idUKKBN18Y255http://en.hawarnews.com/explosives-found-in-al-jazra-liberated-village/|title=Explosives found in al-Jazra liberated village|publisher=Hawar News Agency}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

On 7 June, the SDF captured a ruined fortress on the edge of the city, and a US coalition official said the attack was set to accelerate.{{cite web|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-raqqa-idUKKBN18Y255|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607172521/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-raqqa-idUKKBN18Y255|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 7, 2017|title=U.S.-backed forces seize Raqqa ruins; U.N. sees 'dire' situation|first=Lisa|last=Barrington|publisher=Reuters}} On the same day, the SDF captured the Tell Harqal district of the city.{{cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2017/06/sdf-captures-first-neighbourhood-raqqa-city-launch-major-anti-isis-operation/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170608140708/http://aranews.net/2017/06/sdf-captures-first-neighbourhood-raqqa-city-launch-major-anti-isis-operation/|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 June 2017|title=SDF captures first neighbourhood in Raqqa city after launch of major anti-ISIS operation|publisher=ARA News|author=Hozan Mamo|date=8 June 2017}}

Brett H. McGurk, the special envoy with responsibility over the US-led military coalition, stated that the fighting in the city would be accelerated by the failures of ISIL in the Battle of Mosul, and stated that the forces were prepared for a "difficult and very long-term battle".{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/world-news/raqqa-fight-will-accelerate-as-is-loses-grip-on-mosul-35798661.html|title=Raqqa fight 'will accelerate as IS loses grip on Mosul' |newspaper=Irish Independent}}

The SDF entered the former 17th Division base and the nearby sugar plant on 8 June,{{cite web|url=https://anfenglish.com/news/sdf-takes-control-of-the-17th-division-base-north-of-raqqa-20378|title=SDF takes control of the 17th Division Base north of Raqqa|first=ANF|last=News|publisher=ANF News}} but retreated due to heavy casualties.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=67845|title=Repeated attempts by the "Euphrates Wrath" Operation Forces and the American forces to control the Division 17 and the sugar factory and preparations for an offensive on the second neighbourhood in Al-Raqqah city and advancement at its western outskirts|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights}}

The following night, Coalition airplanes heavily struck the city, killing 23 civilians. At the same time the SDF, supported by US special forces, were close to capturing the entire al-Mashlab neighborhood.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=67796|title=International Coalition's warplanes kill an activist of the Syrian Observatory and 22 civilians in Al-Raqqah and the "Euphrates Wrath" Operation Forces control the first neighbourhood almost completely|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights}} Later that day, the SDF entered Sabahiyah neighborhood from the west{{cite web|url=http://en.hawarnews.com/sdf-fighter-enter-another-neighborhood-in-al-raqqa-city/|title=SDF fighter enter another neighborhood in al-Raqqa city|publisher=Hawar News Agency|access-date=2017-06-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613175934/http://en.hawarnews.com/sdf-fighter-enter-another-neighborhood-in-al-raqqa-city/|archive-date=2017-06-13|url-status=dead}} and captured the remaining parts of the al-Mashlab neighborhood within hours.{{cite web|url=https://anfenglish.com/news/sdf-liberates-sabahiyah-neighborhood-west-of-raqqa-20391|title=SDF liberates Sabahiyah neighborhood west of Raqqa

|first=ANF|last=News|publisher=ANF News}}{{cite web|url=http://en.hawarnews.com/sdf-liberates-al-raqqas-first-neighborhood/|title=SDF liberates al-Raqqa's first neighborhood|publisher=Hawar News Agency|access-date=2017-06-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610092212/http://en.hawarnews.com/sdf-liberates-al-raqqas-first-neighborhood/|archive-date=2017-06-10|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2017/Jun-10/409206-us-backed-force-pierces-into-is-held-raqqa-from-west.ashx|title=US-backed force pierces into IS-held Raqqa from west|newspaper=The Daily Star Lebanon|access-date=2017-06-10|archive-date=2017-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019185455/http://www.dailystar.com.lb//News/Middle-East/2017/Jun-10/409206-us-backed-force-pierces-into-is-held-raqqa-from-west.ashx|url-status=dead}}

On 10 June, the SDF entered the Roman suburb and were locked "in fierce fighting", while they were reinforcing the western half of Al-Sabahiya. An international coalition spokesperson stated that they had destroyed numerous targets in Raqqa between 7–9 June; a minefield, eleven fighting positions, four vehicles, three ISIL headquarters, two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) and an ISIL-held building.{{cite web|url=http://www.inherentresolve.mil/Portals/14/Documents/Strike%20Releases/2017/06June/20170610%20Strike%20Release%20-%20Final.pdf?ver=2017-06-10-071447-497|title=Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve: June 10, 2017 Release # 20170610-01|publisher=Operation Inherent Resolve}} At the end of the day, the SDF took control over the suburb of Harqaliya.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=67861|title=After repelling their attack in the Division 17, "Euphrates Wrath" Operation Forces enter the second neighborhood in Al-Raqqah and take control of half of it and attempt to break into the third neighborhood|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights}} During the battle, US forces used white phosphorus munitions in the city several times, per ISIL video footage and statements, the Syrian foreign ministry, and human rights organizations. A spokesman for the US military did not confirm or deny the statements,{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2017/06/09/u-s-led-forces-appear-to-be-using-white-phosphorous-in-populated-areas-in-iraq-and-syria/|title=U.S.-led forces appear to be using white phosphorus in populated areas in Iraq and Syria|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=2017-06-11}} the US later confirmed it was using white phosphorus "for screening, obscuring, and marking in a way that fully considers the possible incidental effects on civilians and civilian structures".{{Cite web|url=https://www.un.int/syria/news/us-led-coalition-used-banned-white-phosphorus-civilians-syria-%E2%80%93-damascus-un|title=US-led coalition used banned white phosphorus on civilians in Syria – Damascus to UN | Syria|website=www.un.int}}

File:SDF fighters in Raqqa 1.png

By 11 June, 79 civilians reportedly had been killed.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=67942|title=More casualties raise the death toll to about 80 in the continued shelling on Al-Raqqah city|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights}} The SDF captured "wide parts" of the Roman suburb and advanced into al-Sinaa neighborhood and al-Hal Market near the northern banks of the Euphrates River.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=67951|title=With 6 days of consecutive clashes… the Elite Forces enter the 2nd neighbourhood east of Al-Raqqah and SDF control large parts of the 2nd neighbourhood west of it|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights}} ISIL fighters attacked the sugar plant that the SDF had captured three days earlier in the northern part of the city.{{cite news |title=داعش يشن 3 هجمات متزامنة في الرقة |date=10 June 2017 |url=http://hawarnews.com/داعش-يشن-3-هجمات-متزامنة-في-الرقة/ |access-date=2017-06-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613212906/http://hawarnews.com/%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%B4-%D9%8A%D8%B4%D9%86-3-%D9%87%D8%AC%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%85%D8%AA%D8%B2%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%86%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D9%82%D8%A9/ |archive-date=2017-06-13 |url-status=dead }}

On 12 June, the SDF began the process of capturing al-Sinaa and al-Hattin neighborhoods, along with the al-Sinaa industrial zone.{{cite tweet |user=cihan_shekh |first=Cihan Shekh |last=Ahmed |number=874138719749623812 |date=11 June 2017 |title=قواتنا تتقدم في حي الصناعة من الجهة الشرقية وحي حطين من الجهة الغربية |trans_title=Sharqiyah and Hittin from the western side |language=ar}} The SDF captured Sahil village southwest of Raqqa after clashes between the SDF and ISIL broke out and lasted until the next morning.{{cite web|url=http://en.hawarnews.com/sdf-liberates-sahil-village/|title=SDF liberates Sahil village|publisher=Hawar News Agency|access-date=14 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616194425/http://en.hawarnews.com/sdf-liberates-sahil-village/|archive-date=2017-06-16|url-status=dead}}

On 14 June, the SDF entered the al-Berid neighborhood in the western part of Raqqa, following intense fighting in which an ISIL suicide bomber was killed.{{cite web|url=https://anfenglish.com/news/sdf-fighters-enter-al-berid-neighborhood-of-raqqa-20466|title=SDF fighters enter al-Berid neighborhood of Raqqa |publisher=ANF News|access-date=14 June 2017}}

On 15 June, the SDF captured the al-Sinaa neighborhood and entered the Batani neighborhood.{{cite web|url=https://anfenglish.com/news/sinaa-neighborhood-east-of-raqqa-cleared-of-isis-20476|title=Sinaa neighborhood east of Raqqa cleared of ISIS |publisher=ANF News}} Several CJTF–OIR troops were injured by a VBIED planted by ISIL in al-Sinaa neighborhood.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/24Raqqa/status/875411735666208768|title=Many US soldiers wounded due VBIED attack by #Daesh on their location in Sina'a neighborhood eastern side of #Raqqa. #R24|last=Raqqa24|date=2017-06-15|publisher=@24Raqqa|access-date=2017-06-18}}

On 18 June, the SDF captured Kasrat Sheyh Juma village, to the south of Raqqa.{{cite tweet |user=melisaraimmo |first=j-c |last=vergès |number=876449760839962624 |date=18 June 2017 |title=#WrathOfEuphrates violent clashes between #SDF Manbij MC and #ISIS around Kasrat Jumaa, southern Euphrates River, south #Raqqah city.SOHRpic.twitter.com/ngTK7hKVob}} SDF forces also captured Batani neighborhood in the east.{{cite web|url=https://anfenglish.com/news/sdf-liberates-a-neighborhood-west-of-raqqa-from-isis-20530|title=SDF liberates a neighborhood west of Raqqa from ISIS |publisher=ANF News}}{{cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2017/06/kurdish-led-forces-capture-new-district-raqqa-city-kill-scores-isis-militants/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622090708/http://aranews.net/2017/06/kurdish-led-forces-capture-new-district-raqqa-city-kill-scores-isis-militants/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 22, 2017|title=Kurdish-led forces capture new district in Raqqa city, kill scores of ISIS militants|publisher=ARA News|date=19 June 2017}}

On 19 June, ISIL counter-attacked at the old city walls and managed to encircle a group of SDF fighters, among them members of the Elite Forces (SEF).{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=68321|title=After the slowdown of the grand battel of Al-Raqqah… ISIS follows the tunnel tactic and besieges a group of fighters of the "Euphrates Wrath" Operation|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights |date=19 June 2017 |access-date=20 June 2017}} Other Elite Forces then attempted to break the encirclement, shooting down an ISIL bombing drone,{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=68354|title=Drone loaded with bombs downed in the sky of Al-Raqqah city and the "Islamic State" organization carries out a violent counter-attack at the walls of the old city|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights |date=2017-06-19 |access-date=2017-06-19}} and breaking through to their fifteen besieged fighters at the Bab Baghdad gate of the old city. In the course of this operation, the SEF lost its first member in the battle for Raqqa and its fourth in the Raqqa campaign.{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=68357|title=Syrian Elite Forces break the siege of their 15 fighters at Bab Baghdad at the outskirts of the old city and lose their fourth fighter in the "Euphrates Wrath" Operation |date=2017-06-19 |access-date=2017-06-19}} On the next day, the SDF, supported by especially heavy airstrikes, continued to advance in northwestern Raqqa amid "desperate" attempts from ISIL to stop their progress.{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=68396|title=In the highest daily death toll since the start of the grand battle of Al-Raqqah… 45 dead from the "Islamic State" organization in the clashes and continued shelling in the city|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights |date=20 June 2017 |access-date=20 June 2017}} An ISIL counter-attack on the Batani district was repelled.{{cite web|url=https://anfenglish.com/news/heavy-fighting-on-three-fronts-of-raqqa-20566|title=Heavy fighting on three fronts of Raqqa|publisher=ANF News}} On 23 June, the SDF began an assault on the Qadisiya district, which led to fierce fighting in the area.{{cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2017/06/syrian-democratic-forces-make-new-gains-in-anti-isis-campaign-capture-another-district-in-raqqa-city/|title=Syrian Democratic Forces make new gains in anti-ISIS campaign, capture another district in Raqqa city|publisher=ARA News|date=26 June 2017|access-date=26 June 2017|archive-date=29 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629040127/http://aranews.net/2017/06/syrian-democratic-forces-make-new-gains-in-anti-isis-campaign-capture-another-district-in-raqqa-city/|url-status=dead}} On the next day, the SDF completely encircled and besieged Raqqa city, trapping about 4,000 ISIL militants.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-fully-encircled-raqqa-city-latest-kurdish-advances/|title=ISIS fully encircled in Raqqa city after latest Kurdish advances|date=24 June 2017|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=26 June 2017|archive-date=8 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708233544/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-fully-encircled-raqqa-city-latest-kurdish-advances/|url-status=dead}}

File:US fire support for SDF at Raqqa.png provides fire support to the SDF during the battle.]]

By 25 June, the SDF had captured most of the western Qadisiya district, whereupon ISIL launched a major counter-attack, leading to extremely heavy fighting.{{cite web|url=http://en.hawarnews.com/clashes-in-al-qadisiyah-neighborhood/|title=Clashes in al-Qadisiyah neighborhood|publisher=Hawar News Agency|date=25 June 2017|access-date=26 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628144157/http://en.hawarnews.com/clashes-in-al-qadisiyah-neighborhood/|archive-date=2017-06-28|url-status=dead}} On the following day, the SDF finally captured all of Qadisiya, making it the sixth district in the city under SDF control.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-concedes-residential-district-kurdish-forces-cement-siege-raqqa-city/|title=ISIS concedes residential district while Kurdish forces cement siege of Raqqa city|author=Chris Tomson|publisher=Al-Masdar News|date=26 June 2017|access-date=26 June 2017|archive-date=10 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010030324/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-concedes-residential-district-kurdish-forces-cement-siege-raqqa-city/|url-status=dead}} In response, ISIL launched multiple counter-attacks in the city{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=68901|title=Violent clashes in Al-Raqqah city and the "Islamic State" organization spares no effort to regain control of what it lost|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=26 June 2017|access-date=27 June 2017}} and on the Euphrates' southern bank, though these failed. By the end of the day, the SDF had also taken control of al-Farkha village to Raqqa's southwest.{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=68871|title=Continued clashes at the southern banks of the Euphrates, south of Al-Raqqah city|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights |date=26 June 2017 |access-date=26 June 2017}} CJTF–OIR spokesman Ryan Dillon said that the resistance of ISIL increased as the SDF further advanced into the city.{{cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2017/06/isis-resistance-increasing-raqqa-coalition-spokesman/|title=ISIS resistance increasing in Raqqa: Coalition spokesman|publisher=ARA News|date=26 June 2017|access-date=26 June 2017|archive-date=29 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629182840/http://aranews.net/2017/06/isis-resistance-increasing-raqqa-coalition-spokesman/|url-status=dead}}

On 27 June, the SDF launched an attack against the old city, which was repelled by ISIL, though they succeeded in capturing the village of al-Ghota south of Raqqa.{{cite web|url=http://en.hawarnews.com/al-ghota-village-liberated-south-of-al-raqqa/|title=Al-Ghota village liberated south of al-Raqqa|publisher=Hawar News Agency|date=27 June 2017|access-date=27 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630094849/http://en.hawarnews.com/al-ghota-village-liberated-south-of-al-raqqa/|archive-date=2017-06-30|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=68926|title=SDF carry out a violent attack at the walls of the old city of Al-Raqqah and advance at the southern banks of the Euphrates River|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=27 June 2017|access-date=27 June 2017}}

On 28 June, the SDF clashed with ISIL militants near a kindergarten in Ar-Ruda neighborhood in eastern Raqqa, killing eight ISIL fighters.{{cite web|url=http://hawarnews.com/%D9%85%D9%82%D8%AA%D9%84-8-%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%AA%D8%B2%D9%82%D8%A9-%D8%A8%D8%AD%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B6%D8%A9/|title=مقتل 8 مرتزقة بحي الروضة|publisher=Hawar News Agency|access-date=2017-06-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702054803/http://www.hawarnews.com/%D9%85%D9%82%D8%AA%D9%84-8-%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%AA%D8%B2%D9%82%D8%A9-%D8%A8%D8%AD%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B6%D8%A9/|archive-date=2017-07-02|url-status=dead}} The SDF also entered al-Nahda neighborhood in western Raqqa where they clashed heavily with ISIL militants, which resulted in 19 ISIL fighters being killed.{{cite web|url=https://anfenglish.com/news/raqqa-operation-19-isis-members-killed-in-al-nahda-neighborhood-20686|title=Raqqa operation: 19 ISIS members killed in al-Nahda neighborhood |publisher=ANF News}} In course of the next two days, the SDF cut off all remaining escape routes for ISIL from Raqqa.{{cite web|url=http://www.hawarnews.com/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D9%82%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%B5%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%B9/|title=الرقة محاصرة من الجهات الأربع|publisher=Hawar News Agency|access-date=2017-06-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702050602/http://www.hawarnews.com/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D9%82%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%B5%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%B9/|archive-date=2017-07-02|url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/isis-raqqa-latest-news-cut-off-syria-us-backed-sdf-fighters-kurdish-forces-islamic-state-daesh-isil-a7814861.html|title=Isis's last escape route from Raqqa 'cut off'|date=29 June 2017 |newspaper=The Independent}} Clashes between the SDF and ISIL militants also began in al-Yarmouk and Huteen neighborhoods in western Raqqa,{{cite web|url=http://en.hawarnews.com/another-defense-line-of-is-broken/|title=Another defense line of IS broken|publisher=Hawar News Agency|access-date=2017-06-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702051424/http://en.hawarnews.com/another-defense-line-of-is-broken/|archive-date=2017-07-02|url-status=dead}} while the SDF captured another village south of the city.{{cite web|url=http://en.hawarnews.com/al-raqqa-campaign-kasrat-afan-village-liberated/|title=Al-Raqqa campaign: Kasrat Afan village liberated|publisher=Hawar News Agency|date=29 June 2017|access-date=2 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702051414/http://en.hawarnews.com/al-raqqa-campaign-kasrat-afan-village-liberated/|archive-date=2017-07-02|url-status=dead}} Nevertheless, a major ISIL counter-attack on 30 June, spearheaded by numerous VBIEDs, retook the al-Sinaa neighborhood{{cite web|url=https://en.zamanalwsl.net/news/27630.html|title=US-backed forces in new attack on ISIS in Syria's Raqqa|publisher=Zaman al-Wasl|date=1 July 2017|access-date=2 July 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-troops-withdraw-east-raqqa-suburb-isis-launches-fresh-counter-offensive/|title=Kurdish troops withdraw from east Raqqa suburb as ISIS launches fresh counter-offensive|author=Chris Tomson|publisher=Al-Masdar News|date=1 July 2017|access-date=2 July 2017|archive-date=9 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709072745/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-troops-withdraw-east-raqqa-suburb-isis-launches-fresh-counter-offensive/|url-status=dead}} after 350 SDF fighters who were part of an unidentified Free Syrian Army (FSA) unit abandoned their posts and fled.

File:SDF fighters in Raqqa downtown.png

During 1–2 July, SDF fighters cleared the al-Hal market in eastern Raqqa of ISIL militants, while the SDF continued to advance in other neighborhoods of the city with the help of heavy CJTF–OIR airstrikes. Ratla, a village southeast of the city also fell to the SDF.{{cite web|url=http://en.hawarnews.com/souq-al-hal-strategic-buildings-liberated-by-sdf/|title=Souq al-Hal, strategic buildings liberated by SDF|publisher=Hawar News Agency|date=2 July 2017|access-date=2 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705041008/http://en.hawarnews.com/souq-al-hal-strategic-buildings-liberated-by-sdf/|archive-date=2017-07-05|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=69291|title=A new front against ISIS in Al-Raqqah city|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=2 July 2017|access-date=2 July 2017}} The SDF entered the Hashim Bin al-Melek neighborhood in southern Raqqa and the al-Yarmouk neighborhood in the west on 3 July.{{cite web|url=http://en.hawarnews.com/sdf-enters-2-neighborhoods-in-al-raqqa/|title=SDF enters 2 neighborhoods in al-Raqqa|publisher=Hawar News Agency|date=3 July 2017|access-date=4 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706123938/http://en.hawarnews.com/sdf-enters-2-neighborhoods-in-al-raqqa/|archive-date=2017-07-06|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://en.hawarnews.com/sdf-advance-towards-al-raqqa-center/|title=SDF advance towards al-Raqqa center|publisher=Hawar News Agency|date=3 July 2017|access-date=4 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706225210/http://en.hawarnews.com/sdf-advance-towards-al-raqqa-center/|archive-date=2017-07-06|url-status=dead}} In the night of 3–4 July, a CJTF–OIR precision airstrike destroyed a 25-meter-long section of the medieval wall surrounding Raqqa's old city. This was done so that the SDF could finally enter the heavily fortified old city, while at the same time preserving most of the wall. The SDF advanced into the old city, capturing the Palace of the Maidens, albeit encountering heavy resistance. Meanwhile, the US-backed forces continued to make progress in other parts of Raqqa, reportedly capturing half of the Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik neighborhood,{{cite web|url=http://en.hawarnews.com/sdf-entered-old-al-raqqa-neighborhood/|title=SDF entered Old Al-Raqqa neighborhood|publisher=Hawar News Agency|date=4 July 2017|access-date=4 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706124722/http://en.hawarnews.com/sdf-entered-old-al-raqqa-neighborhood/|archive-date=2017-07-06|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2017/07/04/middleeast/us-backed-forces-breach-wall-in-raqqa/index.html|title=Raqqa: US-backed forces breach Old City's wall|author1=Jamie Crawford|author2=Mohammed Tawfeeq|author3=Tim Lister|publisher=CNN|date=4 July 2017|access-date=4 July 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://en.zamanalwsl.net/news/27710.html|title=US-backed forces breach wall in Syria ISIS stronghold Raqqa|publisher=Zaman al-Wasl|date=4 July 2017|access-date=4 July 2017}} while a major assault by the Elite Forces managed to retake the al-Sinaa neighborhood from ISIL.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=69460|title=Continued battles in areas in Al-Raqqah city as part of the Grand Battle of Al-Raqqah|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=5 July 2017|access-date=6 July 2017}} Some less disciplined Elite Forces units, however, were demoralized by the heavy fighting and retreated from the city, against the orders of the SDF command, and their own superiors and comrades.{{efn|name=officer|While they are simply said to be members of unspecified FSA units in the article, the retreating fighters can be identified in the photographs as members of the Elite Forces due to their arm patches.}} Nevertheless, the other Elite Forces units remained at the frontlines.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=69475|title=The "Euphrates Wrath" Operation Forces move 200 meters deeper into the Old City and 30 rebels killed within hours of attacks and clashes|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=5 July 2017|access-date=6 July 2017}}

Heavy fighting in the old city continued through the next two days, and the SDF advances were slow despite heavy airstrikes in their support. Intense ISIL counter-attacks inside Raqqa and south of the city at Ratla were mostly repelled, though ISIS militants managed to retake a part of the al-Hal market. Especially intense clashes also took place in the western city, mostly for the al-Bareed neighborhood, as both sides launched repeated attacks in attempts to gain territory.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=69510|title=Violent battles continue in Al-Raqqah city, ISIS carries out counter attacks and the "Euphrates Wrath" Operation Forces take control of more buildings|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=6 July 2017|access-date=6 July 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://en.hawarnews.com/al-raqqa-campaign-a-road-liberated-72-mercenaries-killed/|title=Al-Raqqa campaign: a road liberated, 72 mercenaries killed|publisher=Hawar News Agency|date=5 July 2017|access-date=6 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708080753/http://en.hawarnews.com/al-raqqa-campaign-a-road-liberated-72-mercenaries-killed/|archive-date=2017-07-08|url-status=dead}} By 6 July, pro-SDF media stated that the Coalition forces were making progress in the west and that the ISIL defenses there showed signs of breaking.{{cite web|url=http://en.hawarnews.com/footage-from-the-is-held-neighborhoods-in-al-raqqa/|title=Footage from the IS-held neighborhoods in al-Raqqa|publisher=Hawar News Agency|date=6 July 2017|access-date=6 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708202915/http://en.hawarnews.com/footage-from-the-is-held-neighborhoods-in-al-raqqa/|archive-date=2017-07-08|url-status=dead}} The international coalition also sent further weapons, supplies, and reinforcements to Raqqa. Meanwhile, ISIL put up a bounty of approximately US$4,000 for every US soldier or foreign SDF fighter killed.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=69491|title=Massive military reinforcements from the Coalition arrive to the Syria Democratic Forces and head to take part in the grand battle of Al-Raqqah|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=6 July 2017|access-date=6 July 2017}} Over the next days, the fierce fighting in Raqqa continued, with the SDF capturing the Harun al-Rashid Castle in the old city,{{cite web|url=http://en.hawarnews.com/harun-al-rashid-castle-liberated-by-sdf-without-damage/|title=Harun al-Rashid Castle liberated by SDF without damage|publisher=Hawar News Agency|date=8 July 2017|access-date=11 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711115910/http://en.hawarnews.com/harun-al-rashid-castle-liberated-by-sdf-without-damage/|archive-date=2017-07-11|url-status=dead}} and the al-Mazarie Square in the west.{{cite web|url=http://en.hawarnews.com/sdf-liberates-al-mazarie-square/|title=SDF liberates al-Mazarie Square|publisher=Hawar News Agency|date=8 July 2017|access-date=11 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711114321/http://en.hawarnews.com/sdf-liberates-al-mazarie-square/|archive-date=2017-07-11|url-status=dead}} By 10 July, the battle in Raqqa was described as increasingly "desperate house-to-house fight" without frontlines, as ISIL fighters holed up in small pockets of resistance that proved to be only extremely difficult to clear out for the often not adequately armed SDF fighters. ISIL suicide attacks also hampered the advance of the Coalition forces.{{cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/battle-to-retake-raqqa-desperate-house-to-house-fight/3935522.html|title=Battle to Retake Raqqa a Desperate House-to-House Fight|author=Jamie Dettmer |publisher=Voice of America|date=10 July 2017|access-date=11 July 2017}}

File:YJÊ fighters in Raqqa 1.png fighters of the YJÊ also participated in the battle for Raqqa. Yazidis were massacred or enslaved by ISIL, and the YJÊ aimed to liberate Yazidi slaves who still lived in the city, while taking revenge on ISIL.{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/afp/2017/07/syria-conflict-raqa-women-yazidi.html|title=Sold by IS in Raqa, Yazidi female fighters back for revenge |publisher=Al-Monitor|date=19 July 2017|access-date=20 July 2017}}]]

The SDF progress was also reportedly hindered by disputes within the SDF and the distrust of the locals toward the anti-ISIL Coalition. Due to ISIL propaganda and long-standing distrust between the ethnic groups in Syria, many of Raqqa's Arabs are wary of the Kurdish forces within the SDF.{{cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/syria-raqqa-kurd-arab-tensions/3937349.html|title=Deficit of Trust Between Arabs, Kurds Complicates Raqqa Battle |author=Jamie Dettmer |publisher=Voice of America|date=11 July 2017|access-date=11 July 2017}} On 8 July, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that the Arab Elite Forces had withdrawn from Raqqa as result of disputes within the SDF, and their sometimes inferior battlefield performance;{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=69636|title=Massive military reinforcements from the Coalition arrive to the Syria Democratic Forces and head to take part in the grand battle of Al-Raqqah|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=8 July 2017|access-date=11 July 2017}} the SDF, however, denied this statement as baseless rumors and said that the Elite Forces were still involved in the operation.{{cite web|url=https://24.ae/article/362090/%D9%82%D8%B3%D8%AF-%D8%AA%D9%86%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B3%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D9%82%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A9-%D9%85%D9%86-%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%B1%D9%83%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D9%82%D8%A9|title=SDF deny the withdrawal of elite forces from the battle to liberate Al-Raqqa|publisher=24e|language=ar|date=9 July 2017|access-date=11 July 2017}} One Elite Forces' commander, Abu Saleh, later confirmed that at least the unit of around 1,000 fighters that he led had withdrawn from Raqqa;{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/08/syria-deir-ez-zor-factions-fight-isis-regime.html|title=Rebel groups weigh options in Syria's east |author=Shelly Kittleson |publisher=Al-Monitor|date=7 August 2017|access-date=12 August 2017}} nevertheless, there were still reports that at least some of the Elite Forces still continued to be active in Raqqa. The reports of the Elite Forces' reported retreat furthered the distrust of the local population toward the SDF. There were also statements that members of the Manbij Military Council were looting houses in the city.{{cite web|url=https://en.zamanalwsl.net/news/28046.html|title=U.S.-backed forces loot Raqqa neighborhoods: activists|publisher=Zaman al-Wasl|date=15 July 2017|access-date=24 July 2017}} Whereas progress in Raqqa city during this time proved slow, the SDF made some progress south of the Euphrates on 10 and 11 July, capturing two villages,{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=69763|title=Renewed violent clashes accompanied by a bombing south of the Euphrates River in the southern countryside of Al-Raqqah|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=10 July 2017|access-date=11 July 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=69808|title=The "Islamic State: organization loses the village where more than 200 of its members were executed southeast of Al-Raqqah city|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=11 July 2017|access-date=11 July 2017}} including al-Ukeirshi, which had served as major military base for ISIL.{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-backed-syrian-militias-capture-town-south-raqqa-325468344|title=US backed Syrian militias capture town south of Raqqa|publisher=Middle East Eye|date=11 July 2017|access-date=11 July 2017}}

{{Quote box| width = 30em| align = left| quoted = yes| quote = These are days of trials. The greatest thing you can present to God is to sell yourself to him cheaply.| salign = right| source = Statement of an ISIL fighter in Raqqa to his comrades. The ISIL militants in Raqqa were considered to fight extremely tenaciously, repeatedly launching "vicious" counter-attacks and holding out amid massive bombardments.{{cite web|url=http://syriadirect.org/news/bloody-urban-fight-for-raqqa-city-drags-on-amid-%e2%80%98vicious%e2%80%99-is-counterattacks/|title=Bloody urban fight for Raqqa city drags on amid 'vicious' IS counterattacks|author1=Mohammad Abdulssattar Ibrahim|author2=Maria Nelson|publisher=SYRIA:direct|date=12 July 2017|access-date=20 July 2017|archive-date=6 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806221921/http://syriadirect.org/news/bloody-urban-fight-for-raqqa-city-drags-on-amid-%e2%80%98vicious%e2%80%99-is-counterattacks/|url-status=dead}}}}

Over the next four days, the SDF made some major advances, securing the al-Batani, Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik, al-Bareed and al-Qasyeh neighborhoods,{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=69963|title=Violent clashes continue in several areas in Al-Raqqah city|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=15 July 2017|access-date=20 July 2017}} and about 50% of the old city;{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=69864|title="Euphrates Wrath" Operation Forces control about 35% of Al-Raqqah city's area and prepare for the conclusive battle|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=12 July 2017|access-date=20 July 2017}} after heavy counter-attacks, however, the SDF had to abandon some of its newly captured territory in the old city and the aforementioned neighborhoods. Meanwhile, CJTF–OIR chief commander Stephen J. Townsend said that the only options for the ISIL fighters in Raqqa were to "surrender or be killed".{{cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2017/07/us-led-coalition-urges-isis-militants-in-raqqa-to-surrender-or-die/|title=US-led coalition urges ISIS militants in Raqqa to surrender or die|author=Wladimir van Wilgenburg|publisher=ARA News|date=13 July 2017|access-date=20 July 2017|archive-date=7 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807020442/http://aranews.net/2017/07/us-led-coalition-urges-isis-militants-in-raqqa-to-surrender-or-die/|url-status=dead}}

Between 15 and 18 July, fighting mostly concentrated on the western neighborhoods of al-Tayyar and Yarmouk as well as the Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik neighborhood in the southeast, as both sides tried to gain/regain ground. Even though the SDF eventually prevailed in the former two, the coalition made little to no progress in the eastern and old city, while casualties among both the SDF as well as the civilian population had risen drastically. As result, the SDF began to shift its strategy in the east and the old city, advancing slower and with more caution, in order to minimize further losses and to avoid the destruction of historic monuments, such as the Abbasid al-Atiq Mosque.{{cite web|url=http://syriadirect.org/news/a-%e2%80%98shift%e2%80%99-in-strategy-in-raqqa-city-amid-rising-civilian-and-military-toll/|title=A 'shift' in strategy in Raqqa city amid rising civilian, military toll|publisher=SYRIA:Direct|date=18 July 2017|access-date=20 July 2017|archive-date=22 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722110820/http://syriadirect.org/news/a-%E2%80%98shift%E2%80%99-in-strategy-in-raqqa-city-amid-rising-civilian-and-military-toll/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=70107|title=SDF achieve a new advancement southwest of Al-Raqqah city within grand battle of Al-Raqqah|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=18 July 2017|access-date=20 July 2017}} In course of the fighting, a major ISIL headquarters and weapons storage center was destroyed.{{cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2017/07/kurdish-led-forces-destroy-key-isis-headquarters-raqqa-kill-dozens-militants/|title=Kurdish-led forces destroy key ISIS headquarters in Raqqa, kill dozens of militants|author=Dilber Issa|publisher=ARA News|date=17 July 2017|access-date=20 July 2017|archive-date=20 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720025205/http://aranews.net/2017/07/kurdish-led-forces-destroy-key-isis-headquarters-raqqa-kill-dozens-militants/|url-status=dead}} On 20 July, ISIL launched intense counter-attacks against all the areas where the SDF had progressed over the previous several days.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=70207|title="Islamic State" organization intensifies counter-attacks in its stronghold in Syria, and SDF advances slowly within neighborhoods of Al-Raqqah city after the killing of 560 fighters|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=20 July 2017|access-date=20 July 2017}}

File:IRPGF flag.jpg IRPGF, a unit of the International Freedom Battalion, in Raqqa]]

Despite these continued counter-attacks,{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=70331|title=Clashes continue in Al-Raqqah city and airstrikes target the city and its countryside|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=22 July 2017|access-date=24 July 2017}} the SDF further advanced against ISIL during the following four days. By 24 July, the coalition had fully secured the neighborhoods al-Romaniya, Hutteen, Qadisiyah, Yarmouk, Mashlab, al-Batani and al-Sinaa, while having taken control of parts of Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik, al-Rawda, al-Rumaila, al-Muazzafin, al-Hamra and Nazlat Shehada, and the old city. As a result, around 41% of Raqqa was held by the SDF.{{cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2017/07/syrian-democratic-forces-advance-raqqa-hit-isis-defences/|title=Syrian Democratic Forces advance in Raqqa, hit ISIS defences|author=Dilber Issa|publisher=ARA News|date=24 July 2017|access-date=24 July 2017|archive-date=27 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170727093948/http://aranews.net/2017/07/syrian-democratic-forces-advance-raqqa-hit-isis-defences/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=70447|title=The Syria Democratic Forces control about 41% of ISIS stronghold after 7 weeks of the grand battle of Al-Raqqah|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=24 July 2017|access-date=24 July 2017}} By this time, the center of fighting was in the southern city, namely for the Nazlat Shehada, Hisham bin Abdul Malik and al-Kournish neighborhoods.{{cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2017/07/us-backed-sdf-troops-storm-isis-strongholds-in-raqqa-kill-scores-of-militants/|title=US-backed SDF troops storm ISIS strongholds in Raqqa, kill scores of militants|author=Dilber Issa|publisher=ARA News|date=21 July 2017|access-date=24 July 2017|archive-date=29 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729021919/http://aranews.net/2017/07/us-backed-sdf-troops-storm-isis-strongholds-in-raqqa-kill-scores-of-militants/|url-status=dead}} By 28 July, the SDF had made further important advances in the western and southern city and increased their territorial control to 50% of Raqqa.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=70651|title=After 50 days of the start of the grand battle of Al-Raqqah… the SDF control about 50% of the city|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=27 July 2017|access-date=28 July 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2017/07/isis-loses-ground-raqqa-kurdish-led-forces-announce-liberation-50-city/|title=ISIS loses more ground in Raqqa, Kurdish-led forces announce liberation of 50% of the city|author=Wladimir van Wilgenburg|publisher=ARA News|date=28 July 2017|access-date=28 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731045834/http://aranews.net/2017/07/isis-loses-ground-raqqa-kurdish-led-forces-announce-liberation-50-city/|archive-date=31 July 2017|url-status=dead}} While combat in the central and southern city continued, the SDF advanced into the al-Nahdah neighborhood in Raqqa's northeast on 30 July.{{cite web|url=http://en.hawarnews.com/clashes-are-ongoing-in-al-raqqa-sdf-entered-another-neighborhood/|title=Clashes are ongoing in al-Raqqa, SDF entered another neighborhood|publisher=Hawar News Agency|date=30 July 2017|access-date=30 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730223835/http://en.hawarnews.com/clashes-are-ongoing-in-al-raqqa-sdf-entered-another-neighborhood/|archive-date=2017-07-30|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=70858|title=Clashes in areas in the stronghold of ISIS and more bombardments hit Al-Raqqah city|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=30 July 2017|access-date=30 July 2017}}

Between 1 and 3 August, the SDF captured most of the Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik and Nazlat Shehada neighborhoods and other important locations, thus largely securing southern Raqqa. ISIL was also pushed back in the old city, losing control of the Uwais al-Qarni Mosque and the 'Ammar Ben Yasser shrine, and in Raqqa's north, where the SDF conquered around 10 km² (four square miles) of territory.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=70988 |title=For the first time … The Forces of SDF coming from the east meet with their forces coming from the west in the southern part of Al-Raqqah city and continued battles to go deeper towards the city center |publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=3 August 2017|access-date=7 August 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=71146 |title=The Syria Democratic Forces backed by the International Coalition besiege the center of al-Raqqa city from 3 sides and continue their operations to go deep into the center of the city |publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=3 August 2017|access-date=7 August 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/isis-raqqa-us-backed-forces-syria-mosul-islamic-state-fighters-jihadis-islamists-a7873631.html |title=US-backed forces make 'significant gains' against Isis in Raqqa |author1=Sarah Dadouch |author2=Tom Perry |work=The Independent|date=2 August 2017|access-date=7 August 2017}} As result of their shrinking territory and constant bombardments, both the 2,000 militants, as well as tens of thousands of civilians still trapped in the ISIL-held areas, increasingly suffered from shortages of food, medicines and drinking water, causing ISIL to alleviate the situation by granting 3,000 civilians safe passage from their territory to SDF-held neighborhoods.{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/2000-fighters-left-raqqa-using-civilians-human-shields-us-envoy/|title=2,000 IS fighters left in Raqqa, using civilians as human shields – US envoy|publisher=Al-Masdar News|author=Leith Fadel|date=6 August 2017|access-date=5 August 2017|archive-date=10 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010031741/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/2000-fighters-left-raqqa-using-civilians-human-shields-us-envoy/|url-status=dead}} Nevertheless, ISIL's deteriorating prospects in Raqqa were beginning to seriously undermine the morale of the group's Syrian fighters, many of which wanted to escape or surrender. These native militants remained, however, due to fear of ISIL's foreign mujahideen. These foreigners wanted to make their last stand at Raqqa, and are ready to kill all who want to surrender.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=71307|title=Only grains and legumes in Al-Raqqah kitchens and ISIS opens the way for about 3000 people to flee the escalated clash areas |publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=5 August 2017|access-date=7 August 2017}} The hardcore ISIL elements in Raqqa also reportedly had chemical weapons in their possession, which they would use when their position became completely untenable, regardless of possible civilian casualties.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=71017 |title=The Organization of "Caliphate State" intends to use its chemical weapons stockpile in the last round of the grand battle of Al-Raqqah |publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=1 August 2017|access-date=7 August 2017}}

File:Destroyed neighborhood in Raqqa.png|date=1 August 2017|access-date=16 August 2017}} while an activist in the ISIL-held neighborhoods said that the situation for the besieged populace was "beyond catastrophic, I can't describe the situation as anything besides hellish. People are just waiting for their turn to die."{{cite web|url=http://syriadirect.org/news/behind-the-islamic-states-raqqa-frontlines-%e2%80%98people-are-just-waiting-for-their-turn-to-die%e2%80%99/ |title=Behind the Islamic State's Raqqa frontlines: 'People are just waiting for their turn to die' |author1=Noura Hourani |author2=Justin Clark |publisher=SYRIA:direct|date=14 August 2017|access-date=16 August 2017}}]]

By 6 August, the SDF controlled around 55% of Raqqa.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=71388 |title=About 55% of the city of al-Raqqa is under the control of the Syria Democratic Forces as the Grand Battle of al-Raqqa completes its second month |publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=6 August 2017|access-date=7 August 2017}} Over the next days, the SDF, bolstered by new reinforcements,{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=71558 |title=Military reinforcements, vehicles and weapons reach again the Syria Democratic Forces in the vicinity of Al-Raqqah city |publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=8 August 2017|access-date=16 August 2017}} evicted ISIL fully from the southern city. By 10 August the western and eastern fronts of the SDF linked up in the south and thereby cut off the access to the Euphrates from the ISIL militants.{{cite web|url=http://en.hawarnews.com/raqqa-campaign-southern-and-western-fronts-meet/|title=Raqqa Campaign: Southern and western fronts meet|publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=14 August 2017|access-date=16 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816232608/http://en.hawarnews.com/raqqa-campaign-southern-and-western-fronts-meet/|archive-date=2017-08-16|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20170812-us-backed-syrian-fighters-strategic-victory-link-east-west-raqqa-islamic-state-war |title=US-backed Syrian fighters win strategic victory near Raqqa |publisher=France 24|date=12 August 2017|access-date=16 August 2017}} The remaining ISIL forces responded to these advances by launching major counter-attacks between 12 and 14 August in an attempt to regain ground in the northeastern and southern city; although the assaults were reportedly unsuccessful, both sides suffered numerous casualties.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=71784 |title=Continuous clash in areas in neighborhoods of Al-Raqqah city and a renewed shelling by the International Coalition |publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=12 August 2017|access-date=16 August 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=71866 |title=Clashes in the eastern countryside of Hama and the International Coalition warplanes renew the shelling on Al-Raqqah |publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=13 August 2017|access-date=16 August 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=71898 |title=A new counterattack by the "Islamic State" organization east of al-Raqqa |publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=14 August 2017|access-date=16 August 2017}}

Despite this, the SDF managed to capture more territory in the old city, bringing about 57% of Raqqa under their control by 14 August.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=71925 |title=After 70 days of the start of the grand battle of Al-Raqqah… SDF supported by the International Coalition's Special Forces control 57% of Al-Raqqah city |publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=14 August 2017|access-date=16 August 2017}} In course of the next days, the SDF cleared out the remaining ISIL holdouts in the southern city,{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=72176 |title=SDF advance and control by firearm new positions in al-Raqqa city and the violent clashes are still ongoing on several fronts in the city |publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=17 August 2017|access-date=21 August 2017}} and by 20 August had begun to push into the neighborhoods north of Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik and Nazlat Shehada.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=72302 |title=Renewed clashes in the Old City and other areas in the city of Al-Raqqah |publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=20 August 2017|access-date=21 August 2017}} Between 22 and 29 August, the SDF further advanced in Raqqa's old city, capturing several symbolic or strategic locations such as the old clock tower (a site for ISIL's public executions). Nevertheless, ISIL continued to fight fiercely for the 10% of the old city it still controlled, as well as other neighborhoods in the city center in which the militants still held territory: Al-Moror, al-Nahda, al-Mansour, and most importantly al-Thaknah (the location of ISIL's former government buildings).{{cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-wrest-control-heart-raqqa-isis/ |title=Kurdish forces wrest control over the heart of Raqqa from ISIS |author=Andrew Illingworth |publisher=Al-Masdar News |date=23 August 2017 |access-date=31 August 2017 |archive-date=25 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825105708/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-wrest-control-heart-raqqa-isis/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/us-world/article/raqqa-s-historic-clock-tower-falls-to-advancing-kurdish-forces-lcdbrgxft |title=Raqqa's historic clock tower falls to advancing Kurdish forces |author=Richard Spencer |work=The Times|date=24 August 2017|access-date=31 August 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=73147 |title=The SDF achieve new advancement and control about 90% of the Old City in Al-Raqqah approaching a new area towards the center of the city |publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=29 August 2017|access-date=31 August 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=73224 |title=Continuous clashes in the vicinity of the center of the city of Raqqa |publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=31 August 2017|access-date=31 August 2017}} In the course of this heavy close-quarter fighting, Adnan Abu Amjad, leader of the Manbij Military Council and high-ranking SDF commander, was killed in combat.{{cite web |url=http://en.hawarnews.com/sdf-declare-mmc-commander-abu-amjads-martyrdom/ |title=SDF declare MMC commander Abu Amjad's martyrdom |publisher=Hawar News Agency |date=30 August 2017 |access-date=31 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831134648/http://en.hawarnews.com/sdf-declare-mmc-commander-abu-amjads-martyrdom/ |archive-date=2017-08-31 |url-status=dead}}

File:SDF fighters in central Raqqa.png in central Raqqa]]

By 1 September, the SDF had secured almost all of the old city,{{cite web|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/syrian-crisis/2017/09/01/us-backed-sdf-seize-raqqa-old-city-from-daesh |title=US-backed SDF seize Raqqa Old City from Daesh |work=Daily Sabah |date=1 September 2017|access-date=9 September 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-raqqa/u-s-backed-forces-in-syrias-raqqa-say-they-take-old-city-idUSKCN1BC5AY |title=U.S.-backed forces in Syria's Raqqa say they take old city |publisher=Reuters |date=1 September 2017|access-date=9 September 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=73398 |title=Violent fighting in Al-Raqqah city center and continued clashes in Albu Sarayah Alley in the Old Town |publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=2 September 2017|access-date=9 September 2017}} though some ISIL holdouts continued to resist in the al-Busariyah alley and the Grand Mosque. These ISIL forces were finally destroyed with the support of US Boeing AH-64 Apaches on 2 and 3 September, bringing all of the old city under SDF control. The coalition forces also advanced into the Al-Morour{{cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1298928/syrian-democratic-forces-clear-great-mosque-of-raqqa/ |title=Syrian Democratic Forces Clear Great Mosque of Raqq |publisher=United States Department of Defense |date=4 September 2017|access-date=9 September 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=73468 |title=80 days after starting the battles in the old city of Raqqa, the SDF fully control it after the restored al-Busariya alley |publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=2 September 2017|access-date=9 September 2017}} and Daraiya neighborhoods, which were captured by 6 September.{{cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/syria-raqqa-us-backed-forces/4017736.html |title=US-backed Forces Advance Against IS in Central Raqqa |author=Mahmoud Bali |publisher=Voice of America |date=6 September 2017|access-date=9 September 2017}}{{cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/1200-isis-fighters-neutralized-raqqa-65-city-seized-kurdish-forces/ |title=1,200 ISIS fighters neutralized in Raqqa, 65% of city seized by Kurdish forces |author=Chris Tomson |publisher=Al-Masdar News |date=4 September 2017 |access-date=9 September 2017 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112020634/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/1200-isis-fighters-neutralized-raqqa-65-city-seized-kurdish-forces/ |url-status=dead }} By 9 September, ISIL control over Raqqa had been reduced to about 36%, most importantly the northern neighborhoods of Al-Andalus, Shamal Sekket al-Qitar, al-Huriyah, Teshreen, and al-Tawaso'eiyah. Besides these, ISIL pockets of resistance were reported by SOHR in nine mostly SDF-held neighborhoods.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=73826 |title=The death of 11 civilians in Al-Raqqah city raises to about 1000 citizens killed by the International Coalition in the city since the start of the grand battle of Al-Raqqah |publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=9 September 2017|access-date=9 September 2017}}

File:SDF, YPG, and YPJ flags in Raqqa centre.png

On 14 September, the SDF fully secured al-Thaknah, "one of [Raqqa's] most important neighborhoods", after a 24-hour-long battle. With al-Thaknah captured, the SDF controlled about 70% of Raqqa.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=74223 |title=On the 100th day of the grand battle of Al-Raqqah… SDF control more than two thirds of Al-Raqqah city |publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=14 September 2017|access-date=22 September 2017}} By this time, the situation of the remaining 1,200 ISIL fighters in the city had become desperate, as they lacked fresh water, food, ammunition, and weaponry; some of them were even sent foraging into SDF-held territories in order to get direly needed supplies. Nevertheless, many ISIL militants refused to surrender and vow to continue defending Raqqa and putting up severe resistance and instead launched suicide attacks on coalition forces when their positions became untenable. The remaining ISIL resistance was centered on Raqqa's north as well as enclaves in the south-west and central city.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=74412 |title=After the death of about 3000 civilians and fighters… the grand battle of Al-Raqqah approaches its end |publisher=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|date=17 September 2017|access-date=22 September 2017}} Activists criticised that the anti-ISIL coalition did little to avoid civilian casualties at this stage. Though it was said that ISIL used the civilians as human shields, the activists also said that neither the SDF nor CJTF–OIR took any "extraordinary measures to assist civilians who [were] trying to flee the city", with the United States Air Force instead indiscriminately bombing all who attempted to escape by boat or car.{{cite web |url=http://syriadirect.org/news/us-backed-%e2%80%98scorched-earth%e2%80%99-siege-devastates-raqqa-civilians-in-fight-to-drive-out-islamic-state/ |title=US-backed 'scorched-earth' siege traps Raqqa civilians in fight to drive out Islamic State |author=Madeline Edwards |publisher=Syria:direct |date=20 September 2017 |access-date=22 September 2017 |archive-date=24 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924053626/http://syriadirect.org/news/us-backed-%E2%80%98scorched-earth%E2%80%99-siege-devastates-raqqa-civilians-in-fight-to-drive-out-islamic-state |url-status=dead }}

Such airstrikes did, however, also decisively weaken ISIL's defenses at its last strongholds. Heavy airstrikes by the US Air Force on 20 September caused ISIL to retreat from five northern neighborhoods into the central city, which the militants deemed more secure. Most of northern Raqqa was subsequently occupied by the SDF without much resistance.{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/islamic-state-faces-endgame-raqqa-stronghold-say-sdf-forces-1343470642 |title=Islamic State faces endgame in Raqqa, says SDF |publisher=Middle East Eye |date=20 September 2017|access-date=22 September 2017}} By 22 September, it initially was reported that ISIL had lost all of its territory in Raqqa,{{cite web|url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/1165151/middle-east |title=US-backed force 'mopping up' last Daesh holdouts in Raqqa |publisher=Arab News |date=21 September 2017|access-date=22 September 2017}} but the SDF later said that the militants still controlled or at least had a presence in 20–25% of the city.{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/inside-raqqa-islamic-state-raqqa-slowly-falling-1603909747 |title=Raqqa in ruins: Brutal fight against IS leaves city destroyed |author=Wladimir van Wilgenburg |publisher=Middle East Eye |date=28 September 2017|access-date=28 September 2017}}

{{Quote box| width = 30em| align = right| quoted = yes| quote = We won't leave until the city turns into another Kobane. We'll only leave Raqqa when the last of us dies.| salign = right| source = —Abu Muath Al Tunisi, ISIL fighter. According to the SDF, foreign ISIL mujahideen wanted to make their last stand at Raqqa, while ensuring that most of the city is destroyed during the battle. This would benefit their propaganda, as they could blame "western bombs [for destroying] an ancient Arab city."}}

Over the next days, heavy fighting continued for areas in the northern, western, central and southwestern city in which ISIL still had a substantial presence. Progress proved slow against fierce ISIL resistance. These last ISIL forces, as in many cases small groups or even individual militants holed up in their hideouts and waited for the SDF to come for them while sniping at them. The SDF fighters, not well enough equipped for such tasks, often could not clear out these fortified and booby-trapped holdouts without risking disproportionate casualties. Thus, they had to call in airstrikes; "time and time again, entire buildings are taken to kill a single [ISIL] fighter".{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-sh/the_city_fit_for_no_one_raqqa_syria_islamic_state_group |title=The city fit for no-one. Inside the ruined 'capital' of the Islamic State group |author1=Quentin Sommerville |author2=Riam Dalati |work=BBC News |date=27 September 2017|access-date=28 September 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://en.hawarnews.com/clashes-intensify-in-al-raqqa-fighters-advance/ |title=Clashes intensify in al-Raqqa, fighters advance |publisher=Hawar News Agency |date=25 September 2017 |access-date=29 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928085756/http://en.hawarnews.com/clashes-intensify-in-al-raqqa-fighters-advance/ |archive-date=2017-09-28 |url-status=dead}} ISIL also continued to launch counter-attacks. Its militants used their hidden tunnel networks to assault the SDF from behind{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-raqqa/islamic-state-hostages-strongholds-stand-between-u-s-backed-forces-and-raqqas-capture-idUSKCN1C71NY?il=0 |title=Islamic State hostages, strongholds stand between U.S.-backed forces and Raqqa's capture |author=John Davison |work=Reuters |date=2 October 2017|access-date=5 October 2017}} or disguised themselves as civilians and even SDF members to infiltrate enemy positions. On 26 September, for example, dozens of ISIL militants with YPG insignias managed to enter SDF positions in the northeastern city, killing at least 28 coalition fighters before they were themselves overwhelmed. The exact number of ISIL fighters who were still active in Raqqa at this point was disputed, with estimates ranging from around 400 (according to local SDF troops), to 400–900 (United States Department of Defense estimate), to 700 regular militants and 1,500 pro-ISIL militiamen (intelligence and information obtained from former ISIL members).{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/09/turkey-kurdish-commander-says-us-should-stay-in-syria.html |title=Syrian Kurdish commander: We're 'ready to engage' with Damascus |author=Amberin Zaman |publisher=Al-Monitor |date=26 September 2017|access-date=28 September 2017}} Of these forces, only the foreign mujahideen were expected to fight to the end. Native Syrian Arab ISIL militants had instead fled the city by the hundreds, often disguised as civilians.

The fighting between advancing SDF units and ISIL holdouts was especially bitter at the al-Naim roundabout in Raqqa's center, which had been dubbed "the Circle of Hell", and various fortified ISIL strongholds. Among these were the National Hospital, where ISIL had one of its headquarters and held hostages; a sports stadium, where the militants were storing weapons; and around grain silos in the north of the city.{{cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/1320504/department-of-defense-press-briefing-by-colonel-dillon-via-teleconference-from/ |title=Department of Defense Press Briefing by Colonel Dillon via teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq |publisher=United States Department of Defense |date=21 September 2017|access-date=28 September 2017}}{{cite web |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/09/22/world/islamic-state-fighters-using-human-shields-raqqa-pockets-u-s-backed-forces-take-city/#.WcTsp9QjHcc |title=Islamic State fighters using human shields in Raqqa pockets as U.S.-backed forces take most of city |work=Japan Times |date=22 September 2017 |access-date=22 September 2017 |archive-date=23 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923140414/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/09/22/world/islamic-state-fighters-using-human-shields-raqqa-pockets-u-s-backed-forces-take-city/#.WcTsp9QjHcc |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/battle-raqqa-photos-isis-confined-hospital-stadium-hostages-snipers-both-1641653 |title=Battle for Raqqa photos: Isis confined to hospital and stadium, with hostages and snipers in both |author=David Sim |work=International Business Times |date=3 October 2017|access-date=5 October 2017}} On 15 October, close to 50 trucks, 13 buses and more than 100 ISIL vehicles evacuated around 4,000 people from Raqqa under an agreement with the SDF, including 250 ISIL fighters and 3,500 of their family members, along with weapons and ammunition.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-sh/raqqas_dirty_secret|title=Raqqa's dirty secret|work=BBC|author=Quentin Sommerville and Riam Dalati|date=13 November 2017}} Around 400 civilians were reportedly used as human shields by ISIL during the transportation.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/14/last-isis-fighters-in-raqqa-seek-deal-to-leave-former-capital-in-syria |title=Last Isis fighters in Raqqa broker deal to leave Syrian city – local official |author= Damien Gayle |work=The Guardian |date=14 October 2017|access-date=17 October 2017}}

After the ISIL convoy left Raqqa under the agreement on 15 October, the SDF announced the "final phase" of the battle, code-named the Battle of Martyr Adnan Abu Amjad,{{Cite web|url=http://en.hawarnews.com/adnan-abu-amjad-battle-to-liberate-rest-of-al-raqqa-began/|title=Adnan Abu Amjad battle to liberate rest of al-Raqqa began|work=Hawar News Agency|date=15 October 2017|access-date=2017-10-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120052352/http://en.hawarnews.com/adnan-abu-amjad-battle-to-liberate-rest-of-al-raqqa-began/|archive-date=2018-01-20|url-status=dead}} to capture the remaining ISIL holdouts in 10% of the city.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/evacuation-ends-isil-defeat-syria-raqqa-nears-171015061514918.html|title=Evacuation ends as ISIL defeat in Syria's Raqqa nears|work=Al Jazeera English|date=15 October 2017}} On 16 October, the SDF reportedly destroyed the last ISIL forces in the al-Andalus and al-Matar neighborhoods,{{cite web |url=http://en.hawarnews.com/al-andalus-and-al-matar-neighborhoods-liberated/ |title=Al-Andalus and al-Matar neighborhoods liberated |work=Hawar News Agency |date=16 October 2017 |access-date=17 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120052654/http://en.hawarnews.com/al-andalus-and-al-matar-neighborhoods-liberated/ |archive-date=2018-01-20 |url-status=dead}} and finally secured the al-Naim roundabout.{{cite web |url=http://en.hawarnews.com/raqqas-al-naim-roundabout-liberated-37-isis-members-surrender/ |title=Raqqa's Al Naim roundabout liberated, 37 ISIS members surrender |work=Hawar News Agency |date=16 October 2017 |access-date=17 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120052709/http://en.hawarnews.com/raqqas-al-naim-roundabout-liberated-37-isis-members-surrender/ |archive-date=2018-01-20 |url-status=dead}}

On 17 October, the SDF launched an attack overnight and captured the National Hospital and further advanced towards the ISIL-held stadium, the jihadists' last foothold in the city.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-raqqa/islamic-state-in-raqqa-mounts-last-stand-around-city-stadium-idUSKBN1CM0VC |title=Islamic State in Raqqa mounts last stand around city stadium |work=Reuters |date=17 October 2017|access-date=17 October 2017}} The stadium was later captured, marking the defeat of ISIL in Raqqa.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2017/Oct-17/422965-us-backed-militias-take-major-raqqa-position-from-daesh-sdf.ashx|title=Daesh completely cleared from Syria's Raqqa: Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|work=Daily Star|date=17 October 2017|access-date=17 October 2017|archive-date=18 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018103538/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2017/Oct-17/422965-us-backed-militias-take-major-raqqa-position-from-daesh-sdf.ashx|url-status=dead}}

On 20 October, the SDF officially declared victory in Raqqa.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/us-backed-syrian-force-declares-victory-isis-capital/story?id=50605976|title=US-backed Syrian forces declare victory over ISIS in its former 'capital,' Raqqa|author1=Luis Martinez|author2=Morgan Winsor|website=ABC News |date=20 October 2017|access-date=20 October 2017}}

Around 80% of Raqqa had been left "uninhabitable" after the battle, according to the UN.{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-backed-forces-succeed-making-raqqa-80-percent-uninhabitable/|title=US-backed forces succeed in making Raqqa 80 percent "uninhabitable"|date=2017-10-20|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=2017-10-20|language=en-US|archive-date=2019-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020133129/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-backed-forces-succeed-making-raqqa-80-percent-uninhabitable/|url-status=dead}}

According to Airwars, a team of independent journalists, by October 2017, at least 1,300 civilians likely died as a result of Coalition strikes (more than 3,200 such deaths have been reported in total). Overall, local monitors say at least 1,800 civilians were killed in the fighting.""[https://airwars.org/news-and-investigations/raqqa-capture/ More than 1,800 civilians killed overall in defeat of ISIS at Raqqa, say monitors]". Airwars. October 19, 2017. In April 2019, a joint investigation by Amnesty International and Airwars reported that 1,600 civilians were killed by coalition strikes during the battle.{{cite news|url=https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2019/04/26/groups-say-airstrikes-by-us-led-coalition-killed-1600-civilians-in-raqqa/|date=25 April 2019|access-date=26 April 2019|title=Groups say airstrikes by US-led coalition killed 1,600 civilians in Raqqa|work=MilitaryTimes}}{{Cite web|url=https://airwars.org/news-and-investigations/raqqa-amnesty-airwars|title=At least 1,600 civilians died in US-led Coalition actions at Raqqa, major new study finds|date=2019-04-25|website=Airwars|access-date=2019-05-11}}

{{See|Raqqa#Syrian Democratic Forces rule}}

Efforts to clear the city of mines started in a controlled area, which have later killed and injured hundreds of civilians.{{cite web|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/syria-landmines-kill-injure-hundreds-raqqa|title=Syria: Landmines Kill, Injure Hundreds in Raqqa|work=reliefweb|date=12 February 2018}} The US pledged minor assistance to rebuild the city.

In February 2019, 3,500 bodies were found in an ISIL mass grave in the al-Fukheikha agricultural suburb.{{cite web|url=https://thedefensepost.com/2019/02/21/syria-isis-raqqa-mass-grave-al-fukheikha/|title=Raqqa civil defense uncovers ISIS mass grave of 3,500 people|work=The Defense Post|date=21 February 2019}} In March 2019, another ISIL mass grave was discovered with 300 buried bodies.{{cite web|url=http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/nations/syria/2019/03/15/another-mass-grave-with-300-bodies-found-in-raqqa_29fe6d52-d7dc-47a4-ad7c-f2543ffd6e1b.html|title=Another mass grave with 300 bodies found in Raqqa|work=ANSAmed|date=15 March 2019|access-date=15 March 2019|archive-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518180056/https://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/nations/syria/2019/03/15/another-mass-grave-with-300-bodies-found-in-raqqa_29fe6d52-d7dc-47a4-ad7c-f2543ffd6e1b.html|url-status=dead}} In July 2019, 200 corpses were found near Raqqa.{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20190703-islamic-state-group-mass-grave-syria-raqqa|title=200 corpses found in mass grave in Syria's Raqqa|work=France24|date=3 July 2019}}

;{{flag|United States}}: The US Secretary of State's statement of 20 October 2017 said: "We congratulate the Syrian people and the Syrian Democratic Forces, including the Syrian Arab Coalition, on the liberation of Raqqa. The United States is proud to lead the 73-member Global Coalition that supported this effort, which has seen ISIS's self stated caliphate crumble across Iraq and Syria. Our work is far from over but the liberation of Raqqa is a critical milestone in the global fight against ISIS, and underscores the success of the ongoing international and Syrian effort to defeat these terrorists. [...] The Coalition will continue its relentless campaign to deny ISIS safe haven anywhere in the world, and sever its ability to recruit, move foreign terrorist fighters, transfer funds, and spread false propaganda over the internet and social media. We are confident that we will prevail and defeat this brutal terrorist organization."[https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2017/10/274961.htm Raqqa's Liberation From ISIS] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108034022/https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2017/10/274961.htm |date=2017-11-08}} U.S. Department of State, 20 October 2017. On 24 October 2017, the US Department of State's spokesperson said: "[...] Where we are right now is a tremendous success over ISIS in Raqqa. This is still a very long road ahead of us. [...] So it's a tremendous success that finally, under this administration, Raqqa was taken back, and I don't want us to lose focus on the significance of that. That's not a US success necessarily, although we were certainly part of that. It's a Syrian success for the Syrian people, and frankly, it's a success for all peace-loving people who want to do away with ISIS and see ISIS taken out."[https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2017/10/275068.htm Department Press Briefing - October 24, 2017] U.S. Department of State, 24 October 2017.

;{{flag|Russia}}: Major-General Igor Konashenkov, chief spokesman for the Russian Defence Ministry, said: "Raqqa has inherited the fate of Dresden in 1945, wiped off the face of the Earth by Anglo-American bombardments." He also questioned the relative significance of Raqqa by pointing out the fact that prior to the war Deir ez-Zor had been a much bigger urban centre.[http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4667203 Минобороны: США и коалиция разбомбили Ракку, как Дрезден в 1945 году] ([http://tass.com/defense/971977 Russian Defense Ministry compares US coalition bombing of Raqqa to destruction of Dresden]) TASS, 22 October 2017."[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/russia-compares-us-coalition-bombing-raqqa-syria-wwii-dresden-germany-isis-a8013626.html Russia compares US-led bombing of Raqqa to WWII destruction of Dresden]". The Independent. 23 October 2017.[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-41714754 Raqqa: US coalition 'wiped city off Earth', Russia says] BBC, 22 October 2017.

;{{flagcountry|Ba'athist Syria}}: At the end of October 2017, the government of Syria issued a statement that said: "Syria considers the claims of the United States and its so-called alliance about the liberation of Raqqa city from ISIS to be lies aiming to divert international public opinion from the crimes committed by this alliance in Raqqa province. [...] more than 90% of Raqqa city has been leveled due to the deliberate and barbaric bombardment of the city and the towns near it by the alliance, which also destroyed all services and infrastructures and forced tens of thousands of locals to leave the city and become refugees. [...] Syria still considers Raqqa to be an occupied city, and it can only be considered liberated when the Syrian Arab Army enters it."[http://sana.sy/en/?p=116827 Foreign Ministry: Raqqa still occupied, can only be considered liberated when Syrian Army enters it] SANA, 29 October 2017.

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