MESOP FOCUS : Kurds-Led Offensive v. ISIS-Held Manbij Could Displace 230,000+

A UN humanitarian organization has said a Kurdish-led offensive to capture the Islamic State’s main position in Aleppo province could displace about 236,000 people.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said 20,000 people had already fled areas near Manbij as the Syrian Democratic Forces surrounded the city on three The OCHA warned that civilians would “face impediments” to their movement and critically needed shelter, drinking water, food, and health care.

 

The agency said a pro-Assad offensive moving into ISIS-held areas of Raqqa Province, such as the Taqba airbase, could spur further displacement.

A spokesman for the Syrian Democratic forces claims on Monday that ISIS militants were fleeing Manbij with their families, as the SDF advanced to within 6 km (3.7 miles). www.mesop.de