A Syria Democratic Forces (SDF) fighter comforts a civilian who was evacuated with others by the SDF from an Islamic State-controlled neighbourhood of Manbij, in Aleppo Governorate, Syria, August 12, 2016. The SDF has said Islamic State was using civilians as human shields.
A woman embraces a Syria Democratic Forces (SDF) fighter after she was evacuated with others by the SDF from an Islamic State-controlled neighbourhood of Manbij, in Aleppo Governorate, Syria, August 12, 2016. The SDF has said Islamic State was using civilians as human shields.
Fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced today, Aug. 12, that they had liberated the city’s last ISIL-held neighborhoods, reports the BBC. Reuters photographer Rodi Said has captured emotional photos of Manbij residents being evacuated: women flipping up their veils, men getting their beards cut, and huge smiles.
An SDF fighter comforts a civilian who was evacuated from an Islamic State-controlled neighborhood of Manbij.
The SDF is a coalition of rebel groups that includes the Kurdish militia YPG. Its assault on the strategic city began May 31 and was supported by US-led airstrikes. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 437 civilians have been killed, sparking concerns that US airstrikes targeted innocent people.
Manbij is strategically located in the north of Syria between the Turkish border, embattled Aleppo, and ISIL stronghold Raqqa. Aleppo’s 2 million citizens are reportedly facing a humanitarian disaster.