Syrian rebels close to victory over ISIS in Raqqa.  The Atlantic reports Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) could be days away from victory over ISIS in Raqqa.  The SDF, a group of Kurdish and Arab fighters backed by the U.S., have captured a number of key areas near Raqqa.  That announcement signals their progress of a larger offensive launched just this past week to overtake ISIS’ capital.  In May, the Trump administration offered critical support by agreeing to arm and train members of the SDF’s primary Kurdish militia, the People’s Protection Units (YPG).   Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reports ISIS is expected to retreat in the coming days.

U.S. troops in Raqqa.  The Military Times reports U.S. Special Operations troops are on the ground alongside partner militia forces in Raqqa, ISIS’ capital.  They began their advance against an estimated 2,500 ISIS jihadi backed by coalition air power and American combat advisers.  “Coalition SOF are in Raqqa, and they are close to the front lines,” said a spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition battling ISIS in Syria and Iraq.

ISIS’ caliph on the run.  Reuters reports ISIS’ leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is losing his main centers of power and is on the run.  ISIS is close to defeat in Mosul and Raqqa, said officials and they said Baghdadi is hiding in thousands of square miles of desert between the two cities.  “In the end, he will either be killed or captured, he will not be able to remain underground forever,” said the head of counter-terrorism at the Kurdistan Regional Government.  Reuters reports that one of Baghdadi’s main concerns is to ensure those around him do not betray him for the $25 million reward offered by the U.S.

Iraqi forces make gains in western Mosul.  The Washington Post reports U.S.-backed Iraqi forces pushed toward a medical complex in western Mosul, trying to dislodge ISIS jihadi’ hold.  Iraq’s 36^th brigade commander said his forces had established a foothold at the edge of the medical complex using artillery and coalition airstrikes.

Tortured corpses dumped in Iraq – Iraqi forces responsible?  The LA Times reports 26 corpses tossed to the side of deserted roads near Mosul had their hands tied behind their backs; they had been blindfolded. Human Rights Watch concluded the bodies were victims of extrajudicial killings probably carried out by government forces since the start of operations to retake Mosul from ISIS.   The Times reports that those residents fleeing the fight and who are flagged for ties with ISIS were held, often without charge, where they undergo investigation before being sent to trial.  Note: Extrajudicial killings are unfortunately commonplace in Iraq.  Years ago while visiting Iraq I was taken to the burial place for hundreds of people murdered by gunshot to their heads.  We were shown evidence that the victims were blindfolded and hands tied behind their backs.

ISIS’ chemical weapons capability degraded.  The Military Times reports Iraqi success in Mosul and the killing of ISIS’ chemical weapons experts has degraded the jihadi’ production capability, although it retains some capability to produce small amounts of sulfur mustard and chlorine agents.  There have been a number of reports of ISIS’ use of chemical weapons in both Iraq and Syria.  “The operation to isolate and recapture the Iraqi city of Mosul coincides with a massive reduction in Islamic State chemical weapons use in Syria,” said an analyst at HIS Markit.  The analyst continued, “This suggests that the group has not established any further chemical weapons production sites outside Mosul, although it is likely that some specialists were evacuated to Syria and retain the expertise.” Robert Lee Maginnis
https://www.facebook.com/RLMaginnis/

Pray for the conquest of ISIS and the remnants of its forces in both Syria and Iraq. Pray that its leaders will be apprehended and brought to justice for their horrific crimes against humanity. Pray that both nations will return to peace and that the needs of those millions whose lives have been disrupted my find that good, especially coming to know Jesus Christ, will come out of the appalling evil and trouble they have experienced.