Manbij became the safest city in Syria after the liberation from the DAESH (ISIS) mercenaries, two years ago. 

The city was liberated on 12 August 2016 and left the dark period behind.

In the two years since its liberation, Manbij experienced the most peaceful time in many years. And despite the war ongoing in the country, it remains one of the safest places. 

MANBIJ MILITARY COUNCIL

The Manbic Military Council was the key actor in the liberation of the city, responding to a quest from its people, subjected to the most violent practices imposed by DAESH mercenaries. 

The resistance of the Manbij Military Council has continued also after the liberation of the city, as the Council keeps providing and securing safety and peace.

Hundreds of fighters from different ethnic backgrounds composed the Council. Currently there is one brigade in the Council but a second one is being created. 

Manbij Military Commander Mihemed Abu Adil said that the number of fighters has sensibly increased from the first days of the operation to liberate Manbij. Now hundreds of young people have joined the Council and fighters are now in their thousands. 

Abu Adil stated that the security in the city center is provided by the Internal Security Forces that ensure security of the south and west of the city.

There are three military training academies for new fighters in the city, and the International Coalition also provides for the training of warriors. 

Abu Adil emphasized that the fighters in the Kobanê, Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor resistances have great experience and are able to resist any heavy attack.

INTERNAL SECURITY FORCES

While the security of the region was secured by Rojava Asayish (Public Security) during the liberation of Manbij, after the city was finally free, the Internal Security Forces were established and provided for the safety of the residents and places of the area.

Manbij Internal Security Forces, established in March of 2017 in the city, began spreading to all neighbourhoods and villages in the region and enjoyed the collaboration of hundreds of city residents. 

In the city, traffic and emergency forces connected to the Internal Security forces were also established.

Henan Mihemed Eleli, co-chair of the Manbij Interior Affairs Committee, said that the Internal Security forces provided security for the residents of the region. 

Mihemed Eleli stated that peace and security increased and this favours the return of the people who were forced to migrate.

SELF-DEFENSE FORCES

The Self-Defense Forces, composed by youth of the city, were established in line with the decision of the Legislative Assembly in November 2017. 

According to this decision, all young people aged between 18 and 30 have an obligation to participate in the self-defense forces for a period of 9 months.

Self-defense forces are charged with the role of protecting the military check-points in the region and the city against possible attacks, as the threat of aggression remains. 

Three training sessions have been completed so far for the self-defense forces, and work is being carried out to begin new training courses.

Co-chair of the Self-Defense Committee, Nofa Siläman, said the forces provided the peace and security of the city.