US-backed coalition, allies take strategic Syrian city

By Mohamad Misto

ALEPPO, Syria

The U.S.-backed Syrian Arab Coalition and the PYD (the Syrian arm of the PKK terrorist group) seized control of the strategic city of Manbij from the Daesh terrorist group Friday, according to local sources.

The city, located in Syria’s northwestern Aleppo province, fell to the two groups -- both of which fight under the umbrella of what is known as the Syrian Democratic forces (SDF) -- after some two and a half months of fighting.

The sources, who spoke anonymously due to security concerns, told Anadolu Agency that the SDF had launched a fierce attack on the Al-Sirb and Tariq Jarabulus districts, considered Daesh’s last strongholds in the northern part of the city.

Daesh fighters were later forced to withdraw toward Jarabulus city near the Turkish border, forcing hundreds of civilians to accompany them in a convoy of vehicles, according to local sources.

The same sources said at least 20 civilians had been killed when the U.S.-backed coalition targeted the convoy.

Some 10 weeks ago, the SDF -- backed by U.S.-led coalition airpower -- launched an operation from west of the Euphrates River aimed at retaking Manbij.

The city remained under siege for more than two months, during which hundreds of civilians were reportedly killed in the fighting.