Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and ISIL terrorist group clash in the northern city of Manbij following terrorists ignore ultimatum to leave.
ISIL ignores ultimatum clashes with Kurds in Syria
24 Jul 2016 - 8:46
Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and ISIL terrorist group clash in the northern city of Manbij following terrorists ignore ultimatum to leave.
Daesh has "not responded" to the SDF’s offer to leave and have instead attacked positions held by our forces, said an SDF commander on Saturday.
"The 48-hour period is over, and there will be no more opportunities like this one for Daesh," added the commander, while vowing to "intensify our attacks on their remaining positions."
According the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, SDF forces are currently advancing inside the city, while a field commander said that the main fighting is "near the security quarter in the center of the town."
Since May 31, the SDF has been fighting Daesh in Manbij with the support of airstrikes from the US-led coalition allegedly battling the extremists.
However, the aerial assaults have claimed the lives of dozens of civilians around Manbij in recent days, prompting the so-called Syrian National Coalition opposition group to call for a suspension of the coalition air raids.
The Manbij Military Council, allied to SDF, announced the ultimatum on Thursday in an effort to “protect civilian lives.”
Story Code: 239239