SOUTHWEST ASIA, July 19, 2016 — The Syrian Arab Coalition captured an Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant headquarters July 17 in the western part of the city of Manbij in Syria, according to a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve news release issued today.

The ISIL headquarters, located in a hospital, was being used as a command center and logistics hub, the release said.

According to the release, the SAC also seized a significant amount of the city of Manbij during the operation, which provided civilians the opportunity to escape.

Counter-ISIL Fight

The SAC continues to fight ISIL on four fronts within Manbij, carefully clearing territory toward the city center while ensuring the safety of any civilians who still remain, the release said.

ISIL continues to fight hard within Manbij’s center and has mounted local counterattacks against SAC forces, but the SAC is maintaining their momentum with support from coalition strikes, the release said.

Since the operation began the coalition has conducted more than 450 strikes near Manbij, the release said. These airstrikes destroyed ISIL heavy weapons, vehicles, fortifications, vehicle bombs, vehicle bomb-making facilities, armored vehicles, technical vehicles, bridges and caches. The destruction of these ISIL assets disrupts the terrorist group’s operations and makes them vulnerable in Manbij and on the Mar'a line, the release said.