WASHINGTON’S Middle East commander sneaked into Syria on Saturday to oversee plans for a drive against the Islamic State (Isis) stronghold of Raqqa.

US Army General Joseph Votel, who took over as commander of the Pentagon’s central command just seven weeks ago, paid a flying visit to US special forces “advisers” working with the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

He was accompanied by a select group of reporters sworn to secrecy until the junket was over.