Violent clashes ongoing with Dera al-Forat troops

Minbij Military Council, an affiliate to Syria Democratic Forces, said clashes have been going on between Minbij forces and Dera al Forat troops backed by Turkey in the western countryside of the northern Syrian city of Minbij, al-Hurra TV reported on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Turkish reconnaissance planes were seen hovering over Minbij countryside.

Syria activists have released photos of arrival of more US tanks in Minbij.

The US-led coalition in a statement to ARA News said that their forces continue to assist the Manbij Military Council, that was established by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to liberate Manbij city and defend it against Islamic State’s (ISIS) aggression.

“While we will not discuss the precise locations of US Special Operations forces, US Special Forces do continue their advise, assist and accompany mission with the Syrian Democratic Forces across northern Syria,” Colonel Joseph Scrocca, U.S. Army, CJTF-OIR Public Affairs Director told ARA News on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the senior coalition spokesperson said that US Special Forces do not conduct missions in Manbij.

“US Special Forces are not conducting advise and assist missions in or around Manbij which was liberated from ISIS oppression on August 13, 2016,” Colonel Joseph Scrocca said.

However, the coalition spokesperson clarified their position and confirmed ongoing military support to the Manbij Military Council (MMC).

“After Manbij’s liberation from ISIS’ oppression on Aug 13, 2016, US Special Forces continued to train, advise and assist Manbij Military Council forces with regular visits,” Colonel Joseph Scrocca said.

Source: MENA