ISIS was able to destabilize an entire region, control large territories, force neighboring countries to reevaluate immigration and foreign policy, branch into other parts of the globe, force recognition on the international stage, and rival other VEOs such as Al Qaeda; by using simple and hybrid methods of insurgency, Asymmetric warfare, and traditional forms of Islamic law and governance. The group’s activities, which keep the organization functioning, reside within the known safe havens of Raqqa, Syria and Mosul, Iraq. Seizing Raqqa will likely force ISIS to rebuild and reestablish a similar powerbase and eventually lead to dismantling senior leadership in Syria.

Raqqa, the primary stronghold for ISIS operations in Syria, rests in the historically,