US-backed fighters have advanced to within five kilometres (three miles) of the Islamic State group's stronghold of Manbij in northern Syria, threatening a crucial jihadist supply line.
The assault by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) adds to the pressure on IS as it faces another offensive by Russian-backed regime troops in its bastion province of Raqa and in Iraq.
Supported by air strikes by the US-led coalition, the SDF alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias has made steady gains since launching the operation against Manbij last week.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said Sunday the SDF was "now within about five kilometres" of Manbij.
The town is on a route connecting Raqa to the Turkish border, a vital conduit for supplies and foreign fighters.
US Central Command spokesman Colonel Patrick Ryder said Saturday SDF fighters had seized more than 100 square kilometres (40 square miles) of territory during the advance.
More than 55 air strikes have been carried out since the start of the offensive meant to hamper IS's ability "to move fighters, weapons, finances (and) supplies into and out of Syria and Iraq", he said.
A top SDF commander known as Abu Layla has died of wounds sustained on Friday in the battle for Manbij, the Observatory said.
Brett McGurk, US President Barack Obama's special envoy to the international coalition fighting IS, tweeted his "prayers" for Abu Layla who he said died in the operation "to liberate his hometown" Manbij.
Some 3,000 Arab fighters were taking part, backed by around 500 Kurdish militia members, while US special forces were working "at the command and control level" in the operation, he added.
Follow The Forefront on:
> facebook Nigerian audience
> The Forefront on Twitter
>BBM Channel: C002CB006 {WELCOME TO THE FOREFRONT}
>{Instagram: the_forefront_nigeria }
> The Forefront on Twitter
>BBM Channel: C002CB006 {WELCOME TO THE FOREFRONT}
>{Instagram: the_forefront_nigeria }
> twitter
> Instagram: osagiejoshua
| Share this post with others on social media with options below. |
No comments:
Post a Comment
Disclaimer!!! Opinions expressed in comments do not represent THE FOREFRONT MEDIA NG's views. All participants are entitled to their opinions. Thank you!!!
Advertise on the Forefront: For advert placement in the blog or advert posts like news updates, reach +2348124620827 [WhatsApp].
Copyright 2023 The Forefront Media Ng. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from The Forefront Media Ng