Syrian rebels close in on strategic IS group-held city

June 04, 2016 04:33

Syrian rebels advancing on Islamic State group fighters in the strategic northern city of Manbij have seized more than 100 square kilometers this week, the United States military has said.

US Central Command spokesman Colonel Patrick Ryder said on Friday that more than 55 air strikes have been conducted since the offensive began on Monday, and that the rebel forces had secured areas on the western bank of the Euphrates River.

"They are facing some heavy resistance from Islamic State, which was expected" but "are continuing to move forward," he added.

Manbij is located along a route connecting Raqa -- the IS group's de facto capital -- to the Turkish border, a vital conduit for supplies.

A rebel victory would inflict one of the largest strategic defeats on the IS group since it proclaimed its rule over territory in Iraq and Syria two years ago.

Retaking Manbij would "cut this key route to prevent Islamic State from using it to move fighters, weapons, finances, supplies into and out of Syria and Iraq," Ryder said.

Some 3,000 local Arab fighters are taking part in the offensive, backed by around 500 Kurdish militia members.

"They are from this area, they are liberating their hometown," Ryder said.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Missing 'Tarak Mehta' actor Gurucharan Singh operated over 10 bank accounts

50-year-old Singh is believed to have been visiting his parents in Delhi and was expected to return to Mumbai. However, the actor has not been heard from since April 22.

Salman home firing: HC nod for 2nd PM of accused who died in police custody

The direction came on a petition filed by Anuj Kumar's mother Reeta Devi, who sought a fresh examination.

Salman home firing: Shooters unaware of target until ....., say police

The Mumbai police's crime branch, during the interrogation of the duo, found Pal and Gupta were given the shooting task by Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, but they had no idea they had to fire at...

Chaos at airports as Air India Express cancels 100 flights; 15K flyers hit

Discontent has been brewing among a section of the cabin crew at the low-cost carrier for some time now, especially after the start of the process of merger of AIX Connect, formerly AirAsia India, with itself.

Delhi civic body acts as Danish envoy flags trash-filled road on social media

In the video, Svane, standing in the middle of the lane, points to the trash and construction debris strewn along both sides of it.