SDF send condolences to fallen Americans, vow to accelerate ISIS offensive

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Thursday vowed to accelerate their military offensives against the so-called Islamic State following a deadly bombing in Manbij a day earlier that left at least 19 people dead.

According to a statement by the General Command of the SDF, the attack left two of their fighters dead as well as four Americans, among them two US soldiers.

Shortly after the bombing, the Islamic State’s unofficial news agency, Amaq, claimed responsibility for the attack at a popular restaurant in Manbij which American and SDF troops frequented.

In its statement, the General Command of the SDF said it would increase its operations against the extremist group in Syria “with the help of our partners in the global coalition against ISIS.”

“We will step up our military activity all over the region to eliminate remnants and sleeper cells of [ISIS] that are seeking to create chaos among people until we establish an order of peace in our region,” the statement read.

The Kurdish-led forces reminded that the extremist group continues to receive “heavy blows and is on the verge of losing all the ground it holds,” adding the Islamic State “is trying to spread chaos and fear” in areas the SDF have liberated.

The General Command also extended its “sincere condolences to the American people, our people and families of the martyrs who fell in this terrorist attack.”

“We wish a speedy recovery to the wounded servicemen and civilians,” it added.

The US-backed SDF is currently engaged in a battle to regain control of Hajin, the last remaining pocket which the Islamic State holds in Syria.