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In Manbij, the Syrian Democratic Forces, supported by the US-led coalition airpower and special forces, almost cut the western part of the city from the rest of ISIS-controlled areas, surrounding Al Basel Hospital. The SDF also seized the school South of Sheik Ali district and advanced on Bakery near the city center and almost secured Hazawani Neighborhood. Clashes are ongoing.
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I thought this battle would be over by now … this doesn’t bode well for Raqqa.
I would rather they take their time and lose fewer lives. They should have complete control by the end of the month.
Taking the city while trying to preserve the lives of the inhabitants will cost the SDF, both in time and casualties.
This is the difference between liberating a city and occupying a city.
The present course of action will maybe gain them some additional legitimacy but might on the other hand destroy the city totally.
One can imagine a one time offer to IS to leave the city unarmed and unharmed for a period of say ten hours, accompanied by a small turkish escort?