Manbij offensive

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Manbij Offensive

The Manbij Offensive, also known as the Operation to Liberate Manbij, was a military campaign initiated by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and its primary component, the People's Protection Units (YPG), with air support from the United States-led International Coalition against ISIS. The offensive aimed to capture the city of Manbij, a strategic location in northern Syria, from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The operation began in early June 2016 and concluded in August 2016, marking a significant milestone in the broader campaign against ISIL in Syria.

Background

Manbij is a key city located in the Aleppo Governorate, serving as a critical junction for routes connecting Aleppo to the Turkish border and Raqqa, the de facto capital of ISIL in Syria. Before the offensive, ISIL had controlled Manbij since 2014, using it as a hub for logistics, administration, and as a crossing point for foreign fighters. The liberation of Manbij was considered essential for cutting off ISIL's supply lines and for the eventual isolation and capture of Raqqa.

The Offensive

The Manbij Offensive was launched on June 1, 2016, following weeks of preparation and coordination among the SDF, the YPG, and the International Coalition. The forces encircled the city, cutting off ISIL's supply routes and gradually advancing into urban areas despite fierce resistance. The operation was characterized by intense urban warfare, with ISIL employing snipers, booby traps, and suicide bombers to halt the SDF's progress.

Throughout the offensive, the coalition's air support was crucial, conducting targeted airstrikes against ISIL positions, vehicles, and equipment. The SDF also received airdrops of weapons and supplies from the coalition, enhancing their capability to sustain the operation.

Humanitarian Impact and Controversies

The battle for Manbij had significant humanitarian implications, with thousands of civilians trapped in the city during the conflict. ISIL reportedly used civilians as human shields, complicating the SDF's efforts to advance without causing civilian casualties. The offensive led to a large displacement of people, with many fleeing to refugee camps in the surrounding areas.

Controversies also arose regarding the participation of the YPG, which Turkey considers a terrorist organization due to its links with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Turkey's concerns over the YPG's role in the operation and its territorial gains in northern Syria led to tensions within the coalition and complicated the geopolitical landscape of the conflict.

Aftermath

The Manbij Offensive concluded in August 2016, with the SDF declaring full control over the city. The operation significantly disrupted ISIL's operational capabilities in northern Syria and was a precursor to further offensives aimed at isolating and capturing Raqqa. The liberation of Manbij also allowed for the return of displaced civilians and the beginning of reconstruction efforts in the war-torn city.

Following the offensive, the SDF established the Manbij Military Council to oversee security and governance in the city. However, the presence of SDF and YPG forces in Manbij continued to be a point of contention, leading to ongoing diplomatic and military challenges in the region.

Legacy

The Manbij Offensive is remembered as a pivotal moment in the fight against ISIL in Syria, demonstrating the effectiveness of the SDF and the importance of international coalition support in combating terrorism. It also highlighted the complex interplay of local, regional, and international actors in the Syrian conflict, underscoring the challenges of achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.