ERBIL, Kurdistan Region—Syria Democratic Forces (SDF) have completely encircled the city of Manbej. “#SDF forces in #Syria have cut the road between #Manbij and #Bab. #ISIL terrorists now completely surrounded with no way out. #ISIS #Daesh,” tweeted Brett McGurk, Special US Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL (ISIS). The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) confirmed that Manbij is now surrounded as the SDF control all the roads in and out of the city. “SDF managed to achieve further advancement during the past hours of the night with the support of the international coalition’s warplanes, which targeted the sites of the organization [ISIS] in the area and also targeted 2 booby trapped vehicles near Etihad University,” stated the SOHR. Since the Manbij offensive was launched at the end of May, SDF forces have taken control of about 90 villages and farms and 159 ISIS militants have been killed, the SOHR reported. Among those militants killed is a man described as the ‘Sharia official of Manbij city’ and a Moroccan field commander. Twenty-two members of the SDF have lost their lives during the operation, according to the SOHR. The Syrian Democratic Forces are a coalition of fighters in northern Syria, dominated by the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG). They are leading the offensive to retake Manbij under the guise of the Manbij Military Council.
World13-06-2026Iraqi PM Zaidi to visit Washington in July to discuss bilateral ties with US officials: Spox
