The Manbij offensive marked a significant military operation by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a coalition of Kurdish and Arab fighters, aimed at liberating the city of Manbij from the grip of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The offensive commenced on May 31, 2016, as the SDF sought to disrupt ISIL supply lines and eliminate a crucial stronghold that connected Syria and Iraq. Manbij was strategically important due to its proximity to both Kurdish territories and the Turkish border, making it a focal point for ongoing military efforts against ISIL. The assault also aligned with international efforts to weaken ISIL’s presence in Syria, garnering support from the United States, which provided airstrikes and tactical support to the SDF.The offensive involved thousands of fighters and an extensive use of U.S. airpower, which targeted ISIL positions and fortified structures within the city. The SDF, working alongside local Arab fighters, faced fierce resistance from ISIL—underscoreing the challenging environment of urban warfare. Civilians remained trapped in the city during the fighting, complicating the offensive and necessitating humanitarian considerations. The strategic planning included measures to minimize civilian casualties and establish safe zones for evacuation amidst the combat.Taking Manbij would not only remove ISIL from an area they had controlled since 2014 but also pave the way for further advances into Raqqa, ISIL’s de facto capital in Syria. The successful retaking of the city became a pivotal moment in the broader campaign against ISIL, signifying both a tactical gain for the SDF and a psychological blow to the militant group, which was struggling to maintain its territorial hold in the face of increasing military pressure from multiple fronts.