The US says a military campaign to retake the Syrian city of Raqqa from ISIL will start in the coming weeks. This will happen whether or not the offensive to retake Mosul in Iraq is completed.

"We have a plan to do that and a schedule to do that. And we're going to execute to that plan and that plan has us generating those forces in a matter of weeks," said Ash Cater, US Defense Secretary. 

US: Raqqa campaign may take longer

US Defense Secretary Ash Carter said so after he met with NATO partners. Carter didn't disclose the timing of the Raqqa campaign, but said preparations are on track.

The top US commander in Iraq, Army Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, said getting Raqqa back will take longer than the offensive in Mosul. He added locals will be recruited and trained by partners in Syria.