Manbij was targeted immediately after the attacks launched by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Turkish paramilitary groups on Aleppo on 26 November. Paramilitary groups loyal to Turkey continue their attacks against the city, which is secured by the Syrian Democratic Forces (QSD) 

 

Manbij was liberated as a result of the "Martyr Commander Faisal Abu Leyla" operation launched on 1 June 2016. On august 2016, the existence of ISIS was completely ended. In the city where different peoples and beliefs live together, contruction works started immediately afterwards. Turkey and affiliated paramilitary groups frequentilu targeted the city during the 8-year period. 

 

The city, which was frequently targeted by government officials in Turkey, is facing heavy attacks again with the latest attacks of HTS. The pro-government media claimed that the Manbij Military Council evacuated the city. However, these allegations were denied by those who govern the city. 

 

 

Yehya Elo, a correspondent of Ronahî TV broadcasting in the region, reported that life in the city is going on as usual. Yehya Elo noted that the Manbij Military Council showed great resistance against the attacks that have been going on for days, and that the paramilitary forces could not get results from the attacks.  

 

‘MANBIJ HAS BEEN TARGETED FOR 8 YEARS’ 

 

Yehya Elo stated that the group, formerly known as al-Nusra and now known as HTS, invaded Shahba and Till Rifaat, where the people of Afrin live, along with the attacks on Aleppo and said: "After the invasion, the people of Afrin were forced to migrate once again. They wanted to realise in Manbij the scenario they had implemented in Aleppo, Shahba and Till Rifaat with the support of hegemonic powers. Attacks were launched from many places. Attacks against Manbij are not new, there have been attacks for 8 years. The dose of these attacks has increased in recent days. They want to occupy.’

 

‘NOT ONE METRE PROGRESS’

 

Yehya Elo pointed out that the news that "Manbij has been evacuated" by the mainstream media in Turkey and media organisations such as Rudaw do not reflect the truts and said: "This is a special war tactic. They want to scare the people. They want to create a duality between the peoples living here". 

 

The attacks carried out both by the media and physically did not achieve their goal said Yehya Elo and added: "The gangs have been attacking for days, but they have not made even a metre of progress. The entire canton is under the control of the Manbij Military Council. They tried all kinds of attack tactics, but all attacks were broken and the gangs suffered great losses. Peoples do not leave their lands against the attacks. Everyone continues to cultivate their land in their vineyards and gardens and does not pay attention to the black propaganda. Life in the city is in its usual flow. The people have full faith in the Manbij Military Council and are united around it. The people say ‘we will never allow the occupation’. People living in the villages come to the city centre every day to buy their needs from the bazaar and do shopping. Life on the border line has become difficult due to the attacks. Peoples do not accept Turkey's occupation of their cities.’ 

 

‘MANBIJ WILL NOT SURRENDER TO DARKNESS’

 

Noting that the people of Manbij also supported the mobilisation declared by the Autonomous Administration of North & East Syria against the attacks, Yehya Elo reacted to the silence of international powers against the attacks. Underlining that what is happening is a crime against humanity, Yehya Elo continued as follows: "Why don't they see the people of Afrin? People were beheaded. A people is wanted to be subjected to total genocide. A state that does not see this cannot be expected to defend human rights. Manbij was liberated from ISIS gangs 8 years ago. Peoples called on QSD and asked them to liberate themselves. ISIS massacred people in the streets and plunged the city into darkness. QSD liberated the city and saved it from darkness. The people embraced the fighters who liberated them. This should not be forgotten. A great price was paid for the liberation of Manbij from darkness. Many fighters such as Martyr Abu Leyla and Botan Türkmen lost their lives for this cause. This city does not want to surrender to darkness once again. Kurds, Turks, Arabs and Circassians live together here. The Democratic Nation is very strong here. No one can break this. All peoples are together in the self-defence of their cities. 8 years ago, they are ready to do whatever they can to prevent this from happening again."  

 

MA / Emrullah Acar