U.S.-backed Syrian force vows to take all Manbij from ISIS/ISIL

U.S.-backed Syrian militias vowed on Thursday to drive Islamic State (IS) from the city of Manbij and surrounding areas in northern Syria and urged civilians there to stay away from militant positions that would be targeted in the campaign.

The Syria Democratic Forces (SDF) alliance, including the powerful Kurdish YPG militia, thrust into IS-held territory near the Turkish border this week. The attack is backed by U.S.-led air strikes and U.S. special forces on the ground.

“We confirm that this campaign will continue until the liberation of the last inch of the land of Manbij and its rural areas,” said a joint statement in the name of the SDF and allied Manbij Military Council.

The statement was read out on the banks of the Euphrates River by Manbij Military Council commander Adnan Abu Amjad.

“We urge our people in the city of Manbij to stay away from all centers and positions where the Daesh terrorists are present because they will be military targets for our forces. We call on them to take measures to ensure their safety,” he said.

“We also call on our people in Manbij to offer support and help to our forces,” said Abu Amjad.
 He said the Manbij military council represented all the area’s ethnic groups, which he listed as Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen and Circassians...
 [kurdishdailynews.org/Reuters]
2/6/16
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