June 30, 2016
Release # 20160630-02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
SOUTHWEST
ASIA — The
Syrian Arab Coalition continues its efforts to liberate Manbij City from
Da'esh control.
Through deliberate clearing operations, the SAC
recently gained a critical foothold in the southern portion of the city
and maintain control of the flow of vehicles and people to and from the
city.
Coalition aircraft supported SAC operations with 44 air strikes in the last week.
Da'esh
continues to use civilians as human shields and is employing snipers,
tunnels, and booby traps to slow the SAC advance. Da'esh also executed
families caught trying to flee the city.
SAC forces directed
the remaining civilians to nearby villages and provided them food and
water. SAC leadership also coordinated for additional humanitarian
assistance to relieve the suffering of those escaping the violence.