WASHINGTON, July 18 (KUNA) -- The US backed Syrian opposition forces gained additional territory from the so-called Islamic State (IS) in Manbij, Syria, over the weekend including a hospital that was being used as an IS command and control center.
"The hospital was contested for some time and it was a significant challenge for these forces operating in Manbij to expel (IS) from the building without doing major damage," said Pentagon Spokesperson Peter Cook to reporters on Monday. "So once the city is secured, the hospital will be returned to local civilian control to it can once again serve city residents." Meanwhile in Iraq, security forces cleared territory near the Qayyarah West Airfield in "preparation for operations to eject (IS) from Mosul," said Cook.
This territory near the airfield includes land on either side of the Tigris River.
"This is another significant step forward for Iraqi security forces," Cook affirmed. (end) ak.bs