The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an alliance of US-backed militias, on Saturday announced a new phase in its campaign to reclaim Raqqa from the so-called "Islamic State" (IS) militant group.

The alliance, which includes the Kurdish-led People's Protection Units (YPG), said the international coalition against the "Islamic State" have provided aerial coverage and special forces on the ground to aid in the operation.

The SDF's latest maneuvers mark the continuation of an operation to encircle Raqqa and cut off the militant group from other territories under its control.

SDF spokeswoman Cihan Sheikh Ehmed said the third phase of "Operation Wrath of Euphrates" aims to complete the encirclement of the city and sever the main highway to the "Islamic State"-stronghold Deir al-Zor province.

Last week, US President Donald Trump issued an executive order requesting the Pentagon and defense officials to submit a tentative plan for defeating the "Islamic State" within 30 days.

Hundreds of US special forces troops have supported the SDF in northern Syria since the alliance launched its operation to liberate Raqqa in November.

The "Islamic State" has attempted to secure its gains in Syria after losing territory in Iraq, where an Iraq-led operation to liberate Mosul has proven to be a challenge for the militant group.

"IS" rose to notoriety in 2014, when it took over large swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria, culminating in the occupation of Mosul, Iraq's third-largest city.

The SDF's announcement comes a day after the US-led coalition destroyed two bridges used by the militant group near Raqqa.

What is the 'Islamic State'? Where did it come from? The "Islamic State" (IS) — also known as ISIL, ISIS and Daesh — is an al-Qaida splinter group with a militant Sunni Islamist ideology. It emerged in the aftermath of the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 and is led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Their goal is to create a worldwide "caliphate." It gained worldwide notoriety in 2014 after a blitzkrieg military campaign that resulted in the capture of Mosul.

What is the 'Islamic State'? Where does it operate? IS is believed to be operational in more than a dozen countries across the world. It controls territories in Iraq and Syria. However, the group has lost much of the territory it controlled in Iraq and Syria at the height of its expansion in 2014.

What is the 'Islamic State'? Who is fighting back? The US leads an international coalition of more than 50 countries, including several Arab nations. Russia, Iran and its Lebanese Shiite ally Hezbollah, which all support the Syrian government, also fight IS. Regional forces such as the Kurdish peshmerga (above) and US-backed Syrian Kurdish fighters, fight IS on the ground. The Iraqi army and militia have pushed IS from large parts of the country.

What is the 'Islamic State'? How does it fund itself? One of IS' main sources of income has been oil and gas. At one point, it controlled an estimated one-third of Syria's oil production. However, US-led airstrikes deliberately targeted oil resources and the Syrian government as well as US-backed Syrian Kurdish fighters have retaken most oil wells. Other means of income include taxes, ransom, selling looted antiquities and extortion.

What is the 'Islamic State'? Where does it carry out attacks? IS has claimed responsibility for numerous terrorist attacks across the globe. The militant group has targeted capitals across the EU, including Berlin, Brussels and Paris. IS leaders have encouraged so-called "lone wolf" attacks, whereby individuals who support IS carry out terrorist acts without the direct involvement of the group.

What is the 'Islamic State'? What other tactics does it use? The group uses various tactics to expand its power. IS fighters have looted and destroyed historical artifacts in Syria and Iraq in an attempt at "cultural cleansing." The group has also enslaved thousands of women from religious minority groups, including Yazidis. IS also uses a sophisticated social network to distribute propaganda and recruit sympathizers.

What is the 'Islamic State'? How has it impacted the region? IS has further exacerbated the ongoing Syrian conflict. Millions of Syrians and Iraqis have fled their homes, many traveling to Europe in pursuit of refuge. Although it has lost all of its strongholds, the militant group has left extraordinary destruction in its wake. Areas affected by the militant group's rule will likely take years to rebuild. Author: Rachel Stewart



ls/bw (Reuters, AP)