Small Wars Journal

DoD Walks Back Promise to Attack ISIS Capital ASAP

Thu, 11/03/2016 - 3:05pm

DoD Walks Back Promise to Attack ISIS Capital ASAP by Nancy Youssef and Kimberly Dozier, The Daily Beast

Defense Secretary Ash Carter’s claim last week that the assault on Raqqa, the capital of the so-called Islamic State, was “within weeks” was a surprise to the commanders planning the war, who believe local troops will not enter the city for months, three defense officials told The Daily Beast.

One official told The Daily Beast the attack on the ISIS capital could be six months away.

“The broader question of retaking Raqqa and who does that is still open and we’re gonna continue to discuss that with all of our coalition partners,” Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, explained to reporters Wednesday.

Defense Secretary Ash Carter’s claim last week that the assault on Raqqa, the capital of the so-called Islamic State, was “within weeks” was a surprise to the commanders planning the war, who believe local troops will not enter the city for months, three defense officials told The Daily Beast.

One official told The Daily Beast the attack on the ISIS capital could be six months away.

“The broader question of retaking Raqqa and who does that is still open and we’re gonna continue to discuss that with all of our coalition partners,” Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, explained to reporters Wednesday…