UK Minister of State for the Armed Forces Mike Penning welcomed on Wednesday the freeing of the strategic town in northern Syria Manbij from Daesh terrorist group. 

“The loss of the northern Syrian town is the latest setback for the terrorist group, which has seen its territory, financial resources and leadership increasingly dwindling,” read a statement by the UK Ministry of Defense. 

RAF airstrikes supported Syrian democratic forces on the ground over recent weeks, including providing close air support close to Manbij and striking at Daesh defensive positions in the town, the statement said, in reference to the Royal Air Force.

UK intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability also supported Coalition strikes, with UK Reaper flying over 500 hours, providing key information on targets to Coalition partners, it added. 

Penning said: Manbij’s liberation is a significant development in the fight against Daesh in Syria.

“We thank all our armed forces for their ongoing commitment and bravery in this vitally important fight.” 

Source : MENA