I guess the PKK Kurds and their US backers have no need to take Raqqa, then? Right?I think the need is gone. But you can bet the annex/appropriation of Syrian territory will continue unabated.
April 01/2017:US Access to 5, yes 5, Air Installations In Stolen Northern Syria
Kobani and Tabqa plus three equals 5 accessible bases- Equals permanent occupation by the US of annexed, by the Kurds, northern Syria.
Assad states in an interview with Sputnik (hubby read this to me this morning)
He said US attacks on Daesh in Mosul mean "they are against ISIS [Daesh], but at the same time, they are supporting ISIS and they allow them to cross the border from Iraq into Syria.""It means they helped ISIS to come to Deir Ez-Zor and to undermine the Syrian Army who are defending Deir ez-Zor. They wanted Deir ez-Zor to fall into the hands of ISIS," Assad said.
Of course, just a few hours ago Fox News reports:
In the wake of increased airstrikes and pressure applied from three directions by U.S.-backed Syrian forces, the Islamic State has essentially moved its so-called capital in Syria, U.S. defense officials told Fox News.ISIS is now centered in Deir ez-Zur, roughly 90 miles southeast of Raqqa, the officials said.U.S. military drones have watched hundreds of ISIS “bureaucrats,” or administrators, leaving Raqqa in the past two months for the city of al-Mayadin located further down the Euphrates River
Leaving Raqqa? How are they getting past the fierce fightin’ Kurds and their American special ops pals- Never mind! Assad said ISIS came to Deir ez Zor from Iraq The question is still how did they leave Iraq and enter Syria? Obviously the US allowed them to pass, most probably aided them in their passage because as they 'watched' them pass they probably also ensured their safe passage!!Israeli War Plane Strike Syrian Army in Quneitra. Golan & SANA
Quneitra, SANA – A military source announced on Friday evening that the Israeli enemy’s warplanes fired two missiles at 18:45 from within occupied territory at a military position in the surroundings of Khan Arnabeh in Quneitra countryside, causing material damage.The source said that this aggression came after an attempt by terrorists to infiltrate military positions in Quneitra countryside was foiled and the terrorists suffered heavy losses, which proves that Israel provides direct support to terrorist organizations.The source affirmed that such desperate attempts will not dissuade the Army and Armed Forces from continuing to crush the terrorist groups that act as Israel’s proxy in the area.
Related: Report Sees ISIS Benefiting From Assad Downfall From earlier: