Armed factions fighting the "Islamic State" have made inroads in their mission to uproot the militant group. But a US official said the group "will fight hard" to retain its territories in Syria and Libya.
Image: picture-alliance/NurPhoto/S. Backhaus
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The US-backed Syria Democratic Forces (SDF) alliance is prepared to enter the northern Syrian town of Manbij, a spokesman said on Wednesday.
The SDF made inroads in the past week by advancing to the outskirts of Manbij, where it aims to dislodge the "Islamic State" (IS) militant group in control of the city.
"Any moment that we want to enter it, we can. But because of the presence of civilians … we are being cautious about entering the city," Manbij Military Council's Sharfan Darwish told Reuters news agency.
"I can say that the matter of liberating Manbij is settled," Darwish added. "When the time comes, we will enter it."
Army Colonel Christopher Garver, a spokesman for the US-led military campaign against IS, said the SDF suffered casualties during the weeklong campaign to surround the Syrian city near the Turkish border, adding that about 12 SDF fighters were killed and more than 100 wounded.
"We assess that Daesh will fight hard to retain Manbij," Garver added, referring to the militant group by its Arabic acronym. The militant group's members began evacuating some areas of Manbij, leaving them booby-trapped in their wake, Darwish noted.
What is 'IS'?
Ravaging Syria and Iraq, the terrorist organization "Islamic State" frequently makes it into the news due to its brutality. But who are they? And how strong are they? We've compiled answers to the most important FAQs.
What is 'Islamic State'?
A breakaway from terrorist organization al Qaeda, "Islamic State" is a Sunni militant group that is believed to have formed in response to disillusionment and frustration due to the failed rule of governments in Syria and Iraq. Its flag reads "Muhammad is the prophet of God" and "There is no god apart from Allah" - lines that are valid for all Muslims, not just "IS."
Image: AP
Where is the 'Islamic State' active?
The "Islamic State" aims to create a "caliphate" - a state where the traditional values of Islam and Sharia law must be adhered to. Due to the instability of regions in Syria and Iraq, the "Islamic State" has been able to capture land in the two countries.
What makes the 'Islamic State' different?
A key difference is the brutality "Islamic State" has used to strike fear into its enemies and innocents by cruel beheadings and ruthless violence. In contrast to this, it is said to govern the regions it takes over. As Middle East expert Shadi Hamid told PBS: "They provide social services. They run local government. They provide some modicum of law and order."
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How does 'Islamic State' relate to other terrorist groups?
Though "IS" is active in Syria and Iraq, the Nigerian terrorist organization Boko Haram recently declared its support. It's like a competition in cruelty: while Boko Haram is responsible for 13,000 deaths, "IS" has injured or killed at least 24,000 people. Terrorist group al Qaeda has distanced itself from "IS" with its offshoot Nusra Front even fighting against "IS".
Image: Getty Images/A. Katib
What about its followers?
Something else that distinguishes the "IS" is its followers. More than 20,000 foreign fighters have joined the group, with more than 4,000 come from Western Europe and North America, according to an ICSR report. Here are the countries where most people have gone to fight. But, there are more fighters per capita heading to fight from some smaller countries like Sweden and Belgium.
What are Western governments doing to stop 'Islamic State'?
Since August 2014, a US-led coalition has carried out airstrikes on "Islamic State" targets in Syria (1,422 strikes) and Iraq (2,242 strikes), according to a BBC report. Some governments have also been active within their own countries: Germany is set to prosecute at least 30 suspected militants returning from Syria, while Saudi Arabia, for example, arrested 93 suspected militants in April 2015.
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The Libyan front
Meanwhile, Libyan government forces, advancing towards the militants' coastal stronghold of Sirte, captured military barracks used by the group.
"Our forces are in full control of Tagreft barracks, and military engineers are inspecting the zone to clear anti-personnel mines," the forces of the Government of National Unity (GNA), the UN-backed unity government, said in a statement.
In February 2015, IS shocked the world when it released a video showing the execution of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians in Libya, marking its first major action in the North African country.
In April, US Army General David Rodriguez, who heads Africa Command, said 'IS' has seen the number of its fighters in Libya double in the past year, reaching up to 6,000.
The top commander of US forces in Africa said local militias tried to curb the militant group's presence, but political infighting contributed to a security void across the country.