In the battlefield of northern Syrian,  a US-backed alliance of Syrian militias is widening an offensive against Islamic State near its de facto capital of Raqqa.

The Syria Democratic Forces, or SDF, is targeting the area of Tabqa where ISIL controls a disused air base. Reports said the US  have provided military assistance including air support and military advisors to SDF in launching the operation. Some political analysts said the operation is ineffective due to political motivations, and  following the Syrian government’s retake of Palmyra with the assistance of Russia,  the United States wants to strengthen their military presence in Syria with such in-depth participation in the operation.

"Apparently they cannot paralyze the extremists because during their operation in al-Raqqah, the extremists attacked Marea and created a threat to Azaz. In fact, their operation has been carried out as propaganda. The situation would be even more complicated in terms of politics. They are posing, instead of really launching a ground offensive," Political analyst Mazen Bilah said.

"The battle of Palmyra has changed the situation, and given Russia a more important role in the Syria crisis. So the United States may want to do the same," Political analyst Tarek Alabed said.