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U.S.-backed rebels advance into IS stronghold near Turkey

Xinhua, June 23, 2016 Adjust font size:

U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) rebels have advanced on a main stronghold of the Islamic State (IS) in the northern province of Aleppo, near the Turkish borders, a monitor group reported on Thursday.

For the first time since the SDF unleashed an offensive for the capture of the northern city of Manbej late last May, clashes are now taking place inside the city, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The London-based watchdog said the U.S.-led anti-terror coalition were carrying airstrikes against IS positions in Manbej to facilitate the progress of the SDF, which is comprised of Syrian Arab and Kurdish fighters and led by the Kurdish People's Protection Units.

A total of 63 SDF fighters and 458 IS militants have been killed during the battles for Manbej since May 31, said the group.

Earlier reports said that U.S. special forces were providing help to the SDF in their push for Manbej, an important outpost in one of the IS' main supply routes. Endit