ISIS has reportedly abducted around 900 Kurds near the city of Aleppo. The move appears to have come in retaliation following an offensive against ISIS in the neighbouring territory of Manbij. The individuals were taken from villages around al-Bab. They included men, women, and children. The men and boys over a year are believed to have been co-opted into ISIS’ ranks. ISIS has incurred significant losses in its stronghold of Manbij since an offensive on the city began in late May. Previously, Manbij was a key link in the group’s supply route between its de facto capital, Raqqa, and the Turkish border.
ISIS has reportedly abducted around 900 Kurds near the city of Aleppo. The move appears to have come in retaliation following an offensive against ISIS in the neighbouring territory of Manbij. The individuals were taken from villages around al-Bab. They included men, women, and children. The men and boys over the age of 12 are believed to have been co-opted into ISIS’ ranks. ISIS has incurred significant losses in its stronghold of Manbij since an offensive on the city began in late May. Previously, Manbij was a key link in the group’s supply route between its de facto capital, Raqqa, and the Turkish border.