June 15, 2016
Release # 20160615-02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
SOUTHWEST
ASIA — On June 13 the Syrian Arab Coalition (SAC) elements completed
the first phase of their operation to free Manbij City by securing the
territory surrounding the city. After clearing Da'esh from this area
they are now ready for the second phase to liberate the city itself.
Operating
on multiple fronts, the SAC have secured the routes to and from
Manbij. For the SAC, civilian safety is a critical concern, and as a
consequence people are returning to the already liberated inhabited
villages.
Since the operation began the Coalition has conducted
more than 190 airstrikes in the vicinity of Manbij and in the last four
days destroyed three command headquarters, which is encouraging ISIL's
retreat into the city.
The Manbij City operation, coupled with
the Coalition-supported Syrian moderate opposition efforts to clear
Da'esh from the Turkish border and the Mar'a Line, continues to attrite
Da'esh forces and minimize the threat to Turkey, the rest of Europe, and
the United States.