The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights announced on Saturday that U.S.-backed forces in Syria have managed to force Islamic State (ISIS) militants to retreat from the city of Manbij, effectively capturing it almost completely. According to Reuters, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), composed of Kurdish and Arab Syrian militants supported by the U.S., began their operations in northern Syria two months ago and have succeeded in pushing ISIS forces back from the Turkey-Syria border. Sherif Darwish, a spokesperson for the Syrian Democratic Forces, told Reuters that battles are ongoing, but nearly 90 percent of the city has been cleared of extremist Islamist forces. Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, based in London, reported that some ISIS militants still remain in the city center. A spokesperson for the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS also stated that advances in Manbij continue, and the coalition will maintain its support for the Syrian Democratic Forces. During their two-month operation, the Syrian Democratic Forces had previously succeeded in liberating areas surrounding Manbij from Islamic State control. The capture of Manbij cuts off one of the Islamic State's main communication routes with the city of Raqqa. Reuters reports that with the liberation of Manbij, 40,000 civilians residing in the city will be rescued from ISIS. In this context, the coalition of Syrian Democratic Forces has cut off ISIS's supply routes from Turkey. The United Nations has stated that the battle in Manbij could displace 200,000 Syrians.
ISIS Driven Out of '90 Percent of Areas' in Manbij, Northern Syria
U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces have captured nearly all of Manbij from ISIS, with ongoing battles reported. This operation has significant implications for cutting off ISIS's communication routes and potentially liberating thousands of civilians. The situation highlights the continuing conflict in northern Syria and the humanitarian crisis it creates.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces have captured nearly all of Manbij from ISIS, with ongoing battles reported. This operation has significant implications for cutting off ISIS's communication routes and potentially liberating thousands of civilians.
- 90 percent of Manbij has been cleared of ISIS militants.
- The capture of Manbij disrupts ISIS's supply routes and communication with Raqqa.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The Syrian conflict has seen various factions vying for control, with ISIS emerging as a major player. The U.S. has supported local forces like the SDF to combat ISIS and stabilize the region.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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