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Backed by U.S. firepower, Syrian forces aim to sever the Islamic State's last escape route from Raqqa

Army Times: WASHINGTON — U.S. military advisers, aircraft and artillery are helping Syrian fighters secure a strategic dam outside the Islamic State's capital of Raqqa, where they're battling to cut off the militants' only remaining escape route, officials said.

Officials did not specify how many U.S. advisers are on the ground as part of the operation to retake the Tabqa dam, where the U.S. military has transported more than 500 Syrian fighters for the operation, which was launched on Tuesday.

U.S. Army Apache helicopters and Marine artillery are also supporting the ongoing operations, officials said.In recent weeks, the Marines have moved several M777A2 Howitzers to a fire base near Raqqa.

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