Manbij, a strategic city located in northern Syria, was controlled by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and served as a crucial supply line for the group. In mid-2016, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched a military offensive to take control of Manbij, employing a combination of ground assaults and coordinating airstrikes from the U.S.-led coalition. The battle for Manbij began in May 2016 and involved intense urban warfare, with both sides suffering significant casualties. The SDF advanced through neighborhoods in a bid to isolate and eliminate ISIL fighters, who had transformed the city into a fortified stronghold. The offensive highlighted the capability of the SDF, which was primarily composed of Kurdish forces, but also included a mix of Arab fighters. They made significant advances despite the difficult conditions and fierce resistance from ISIL. The U.S. military played a supportive role, providing intelligence and air support that were critical in the SDF's effort to capture the city. By August 2016, after months of brutal conflict, the city fell under SDF control, symbolizing both a military and psychological victory against ISIL. The capture of Manbij not only disrupted ISIL's operations in northern Syria but also opened the way for further SDF advances, significantly contributing to the overall fight against the jihadist group. This success was considered a milestone for the SDF and increased their standing among local populations, reflecting a growing acceptance of Kurdish forces in the region. The event also exemplified the shifting dynamics of the Syrian conflict, with local forces gaining central roles in the fight against larger, more organized forces like ISIL.