I have seen reports that the majority of the population has already left from Raqqa, and that most of it is deserted.
Nonetheless, it still seems that there are more civilians than ISIS left in the ISIS areas. Some no doubt are ISIS families or supporters, and no doubt there are some others who just did not have the ability to get out yet.
It sure looks like the heat is staying on ISIS - airstrikes are going way up - 120 in the past two days, double the previous (already high) rate of 30 per day. The artillery is also reported to have been keeping up a brisk rate of fire.
In the high heat of Summer, and after months of casualties, it is challenging to keep up spirits on the ground - but it is harder for ISIS. Everyone knows that they will lose.
I’d guess the end of October to root them out, if the pressure can be kept up.
I believe the SDF will keep the pressure up.
Unless Erdogan does something really stupid again. He just did with a failed “operation” in Iraq. Headshake.
Now KRG are delaying Ezidi return to Shengal Mountains for phoney reasons. May be tip off of another stupid action.
CHP is acting a little in Erdogan’s face. He seems to be blowing that off. He knows what they are capable of. The really don’t like what he is doing.
Erdogan is poking around West of Kobani. Another provocative move.
We wait.