Watch VICE Special Report: Fighting ISIS

Vice Special Report: Fighting ISIS is a documentary film that takes us into the epicenter of the fight against the Islamic State. The documentary is directed by Adam Rae and produced by Vice News, which has established itself as a media outlet that brings unique perspectives on global affairs and conflict. The film follows a few key players in the fight against ISIS, which include members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and international volunteers fighting alongside them. It gives us a glimpse of what life is like on the frontlines of the brutal conflict and how these groups have been able to make significant gains against ISIS.

The documentary starts with a brief overview of the history of the conflict in Syria and how ISIS was able to establish itself in Raqqa, the de facto capital of the so-called Islamic State. It then moves on to showcase the Syrian Democratic Forces, the coalition of Arab and Kurdish fighters that is spearheading the fight against the extremist group.

We are introduced to some of the key figures in the SDF, such as Abu Issa, a commander of the Deir ez-Zor Military Council, and Rojda Felat, the commander of the YPJ, the all-female unit of the YPG. Issa and Felat talk about their motivations for joining the fight and the challenges they face as they battle a ruthless enemy that uses suicide bombers, booby traps, and human shields.

The documentary also sheds light on some of the international volunteers who have joined the fight against ISIS. We meet Joshua Bell, a former US Army Ranger, who has been fighting with the YPG since 2015. Bell talks about his decision to join the fight and how he feels that he is making a real difference in the lives of the people of Syria.

One of the most fascinating parts of the documentary is how the SDF is able to gather intelligence and plan operations against ISIS. We are shown how the SDF uses informants and spies to gather information on the movements and activities of the extremist group. We see how the information is analyzed and used to plan raids and missions to capture or kill key ISIS figures.

The documentary also takes us into the heart of Raqqa, the once-bustling city that has been reduced to rubble by the fighting. We see how the SDF, with the help of international coalition forces, is slowly retaking the city block by block, house by house. We are shown the improvised explosive devices, the sniper fire, and the endless tunnels that the ISIS fighters have left behind.

Throughout the film, we are constantly reminded of the human cost of the conflict. We see the civilian casualties, the wounded fighters, and the emotional toll that the war has on everyone involved. We see how the SDF tries to take care of the civilians that are caught in the crossfire, providing them with medical care, food, and shelter.

The film ends on a hopeful note, showing how the SDF, with the help of international coalition forces, has been able to make significant gains against ISIS. We are reminded that the fight against the extremist group is far from over, but there is hope that the people of Syria will be able to rebuild their country and live in peace once again.

Overall, Vice Special Report: Fighting ISIS is a powerful and insightful documentary that provides a unique perspective on the fight against the Islamic State. It gives us a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the people fighting on the frontlines, and the strategies they employ to counter the ruthless tactics of the extremist group. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in global affairs and the fight against terrorism.