SOUTHWEST ASIA, June 30, 2016 — The Syrian Arab Coalition continues its efforts to liberate the Syrian city of Manbij from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant’s control, according to a news release issued today by Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials.

Through deliberate clearing operations, the SAC recently gained a critical foothold in the southern portion of the city and maintain control of the flow of vehicles and people to and from the city, the release said.

Counter-ISIL Airstrikes Continue

CJTF-OIR officials said coalition aircraft supported SAC operations with 44 airstrikes in the last week.

ISIL continues to use civilians as human shields and is employing snipers, tunnels, and booby traps to slow the SAC advance, the release said, noting ISIL also executed families caught trying to flee the city.

Helping Syrian Civilians

Officials said SAC forces directed the remaining civilians to nearby villages and provided them food and water.

SAC leadership also coordinated for additional humanitarian assistance to relieve the suffering of those escaping the violence, the release said.