US Special Forces troops and fighters of the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) allegedly took control of the Tabqa dam southwest of the ISIS-held city of Raqqah.
Reports about this appeared in various pro-Kurdish sources but were not confirmed by photos, videos or even an official statement from the SDF, the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (the core of the SDF) or the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
On Wednesday, the SDF, the US Special Forces and the US Marines airdropped behind ISIS defense lines west of the town of Tabqa and launched an operation to capture the town of Tabqa, the Tabqa military airbase and the Tabqa dam.
“The Coalition supported this offensive with air movement and logistical support, precision airstrikes, Apache helicopters in close air support, Marine artillery, and special operations advice and assistance to SDF leadership,” the US-led coalition said in a statement at its website.
Thus, the US leadership officially confirmed the participation of its troops on the ground in the area which is likely a key part of the new US strategy against ISIS adopted by the Trump administration.
Alleged photos of US military servicemen and SDF fighters involved in the operation: