Raqqa Governorate
Al-Raqqah
مُحافظة الرقة | |
|---|---|
.svg) Map of Syria with Ar-Raqqah highlighted | |
| Country |  Syria |
| Capital | Al-Raqqah |
| Manatiq (Districts) | 3 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 19,616 km2 (7,574 sq mi) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 944,000 |
| • Density | 48/km2 (120/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
| ISO 3166 code | SY-RA |
| Main language(s) | Arabic |
Al-Raqqah Governorate (Arabic: مُحافظة الرقة ALA: Muḥāfaẓat ar-Raqqah) is one of the fourteen governorates (provinces) of Syria. It is situated in the north of the country and covers an area of 19,616 km². The governorate has a population of 921,000 (2010 census office estimate). The capital is al-Raqqah. The Islamic State of Iraq and Levant claimed full control of this province as of August 24, 2014 when its fighters captured Tabaqa Airbase in the southwest part of the province.[1] However, the Kurdish People's Protection Units now control much of the northern section of the province.[2]
Districts
The governorate is divided into 3 districts (manatiq):
These are further divided into sub-districts (nawahi).
Syrian Civil War
As of 19 September 2012, the town of Tal Abyad, directly across the border from the Turkish town of Akçakale, was already under rebel control[which?].[3][4]
On 11 February 2013, Syrian rebels, including al-Nusra fighters, took control of the Tabqa dam, and Tabqa city, according to SOHR and videos posted by rebels. Tabqa Dam, on the Euphrates river, is the largest hydroelectric dam in Syria and provides electricity to many areas, including Aleppo. Tabqa is also known as Thawrah.[5][6]
Al-Raqqah, the capital city of the governorate, is currently under the control of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). As of September 2014, governance has been fully reestablished with previous personnel who pledge allegiance to the new regime. Only the police and soldiers are ISIL fighters, who receive confiscated lodging previously[dubious – discuss] owned by non-Sunnis and others who fled. ISIL asserts that it is providing welfare services, that it has established price controls, and that it has imposed taxes on the wealthy. The al-Raqqah Dam continues to provide electricity and water. The exportation of oil brings in tens of millions of dollars.[7]
References
- ^ http://www.dw.de/assad-no-longer-main-threat-in-syria/a-17872779
- ^ http://www.smh.com.au/world/kurds-unite-to-build-kurdistan-in-defiance-of-islamic-state-20150314-141xwp.html
- ^ Barnard, Anne (2012-10-07). "Rebels Clash With Syrian Security Forces Near Lebanon". The New York Times.
- ^ "WRAPUP 3-Syrian rebels extend grip on Turkish border". Reuters. 2012-09-19. Retrieved 2012-10-10.
- ^ Saad, Hwaida; Gladstone, Rick (2013-02-11). "Syrian Insurgents Claim to Control Large Hydropower Dam". The New York Times.
- ^ "Syrian rebels advance toward Aleppo airport - US News and World Report". Usnews.com. 2013-02-12. Retrieved 2013-09-18.
- ^ Mariam Karouny (4 September 2014). "In northeast Syria, Islamic State builds a government". Reuters.
External links
- eraqqa The First Complete website for raqqa news and services