↑ Launching of Operations To Liberate Final ISIS Strongholds in Syria U.S. Department of State, 1 May 2018. ↑ Syria: US-backed forces launch 'final' operation against 'Islamic State' strongholds Deutsche Welle, 1 May 2018. ↑ "U.S. freezes funding for Syria's "White Helmets"". Retrieved 4 July 2018. ↑ "US Department of State cuts off funding for Syria's White Helmets — media". Retrieved 4 July 2018. ↑ Karam, Zeina.