On Monday, Nadine Maenza, President of the International Religious Freedom Secretariat, congratulated the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the people of Raqqa (Reqa) on the seventh anniversary of the city’s liberation from (Islamic State) ISIS. Posting on X, she praised their efforts, saying, “Congratulations to the SDF & the people of Raqqa on the 7-year anniversary of the liberation of Raqqa from Islamic State (ISIS)! Humbled to participate in the celebration & thank them for their sacrifice.”
Raqqa, once the de facto capital of ISIS’s so-called caliphate, was liberated on 17 October 2017, after a brutal four-month battle led by the SDF, with backing from the US-led coalition. This military victory marked a turning point in the fight against ISIS, dismantling the group’s territorial control in northern Syria.
The celebration, held at Raqqa’s Beledî Stadium—previously a notorious ISIS prison—showcased the stark transformation of the city. Over 11,000 lives were lost during the battle, with an additional 24,000 SDF members left disabled. Women played a significant role in the fighting, as Maenza noted, “Women played an important role in the Battle of Raqqa and the fight against ISIS, as they do here in society.”
Maenza emphasised how Raqqa’s recovery extends beyond the battlefield, focusing on rebuilding its social fabric. “After they beat extremism militarily, they empowered each local community to build self-governance that is defeating the extremist ideology in their own communities,” she said. Raqqa’s governance model is built on inclusivity, with Kurds, Arabs, Syriac-Assyrian Christians, and other minorities contributing to decision-making processes. Maenza highlighted the strides made in gender equality, stating, “Half of the government leaders here are women!”
Despite these achievements, the road to full recovery remains challenging. Raqqa is still grappling with extensive destruction. According to local sources, 50% of the city remains in ruins, with reconstruction efforts hampered by high costs and the slow pace of international support. “They are still a very young government and could use additional support from the US and international community,” Maenza urged.
As Raqqa continues to rebuild, the SDF’s leadership remains committed to upholding peace and preventing the resurgence of ISIS. The anniversary celebration underscored the resilience of the city’s people and their determination to secure a democratic and inclusive future for northeastern Syria.
