What is the Manbij Military Council (MMC), and what is its primary role within the Syrian conflict?

The Manbij Military Council (MMC) is a coalition of various groups operating under the umbrella of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Established on April 2, 2016, its primary function has been to lead military operations, most notably the offensive to capture the city of Manbij from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

When and where was the Manbij Military Council officially established?

The Manbij Military Council was established on April 2, 2016. Its founding took place at the Tishrin Dam, situated on the Euphrates River.

What was the significance of the Manbij Military Council's leadership in the 2016 Manbij offensive?

The Manbij Military Council spearheaded the Syrian Democratic Forces' offensive to liberate the city of Manbij. This campaign, which commenced in June 2016, successfully resulted in the capture of Manbij from ISIL approximately two months later.

What is the ethnic and geographic composition of the Manbij Military Council's fighters?

The majority of fighters within the Manbij Military Council originate from the city of Manbij and its surrounding regions. While the source text notes that SDF fighters are mostly Arabs, and during the offensive an SDF fighter described the force as having Arabs and Kurds, the council itself is noted to be primarily composed of local Arab fighters.

What is the Arabic designation for the Manbij Military Council?

The Arabic name for the Manbij Military Council is Majlis Manbij al-Askari.

What does the flag associated with the Manbij Military Council depict, based on the provided image caption?

The image caption indicates that the flag shown is the flag of the Manbij Military Council. While the image itself is not described in detail, the caption identifies it as the official banner of the organization.

Who are the top commanders listed for the Manbij Military Council, and what are their periods of command?

The top commanders listed are Adnan Abdul Aziz Ahmed, also known as Adnan Abu Amjad, who served from 2016 until his death in 2017, marked with a dagger symbol indicating he was killed in action. Muhammad Mustafa Ali, known as Abu Adel, has held the position of top commander since 2017.

Can you list some of the notable commanders associated with the Manbij Military Council?

Notable commanders include Faisal Abdi Bilal Saadoun, known as Abu Layla, who died of wounds in 2016; Dilsuz Hashme; Ibrahim Semho of the Euphrates Liberation Brigade; Abu Jassim; Abu Khalaf; Ahmad Arsh of the Manbij Revolutionaries Battalion; and Ibrahim al-Banawi.

What is the operational timeframe for the Manbij Military Council?

The Manbij Military Council has been operational since April 2, 2016, and continues to be active to the present day.

What larger military entity is the Manbij Military Council unofficially affiliated with?

The Manbij Military Council is unofficially part of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as indicated by its inclusion in the infobox.

Which nations are listed as allies of the Manbij Military Council?

The United States and France are listed as allies of the Manbij Military Council.

Who are identified as the primary opponents of the Manbij Military Council?

The primary opponents listed are the Islamic State, the Syrian National Army, and Turkey. The council has also faced opposition from Turkish-backed forces.

In which Syrian governorates does the Manbij Military Council operate?

The Manbij Military Council operates in the Aleppo, Raqqa, Hasakah, and Deir ez-Zor governorates of Syria.

What was the estimated size of the Manbij Military Council's forces in 2018?

In 2018, the estimated size of the Manbij Military Council's forces was between 5,000 and 6,000 fighters.

Where was the headquarters of the Manbij Military Council located before and after the 2016 offensive?

Prior to the offensive, the headquarters was located at the Tishrin Dam. Following the capture of the city, its headquarters moved to Manbij.

What significant administrative development occurred on April 5, 2016, in relation to Manbij's future governance?

On April 5, 2016, a civilian council was established in Sarrin by individuals from Manbij who had fled ISIL's control. This council was formed with the intention of administering Manbij once it was recaptured.

What ethnic and religious groups were represented in the civilian council formed in Sarrin?

The civilian council formed in Sarrin comprised Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen, and Circassians, reflecting the diverse population of the Manbij region.

Who was the initial commander of the Manbij Military Council during the 2016 offensive, and what was his fate?

The initial commander was Abu Layla (Faisal Abdi Bilal Saadoun). He died from wounds sustained in combat against the Islamic State on the Manbij front.

Who succeeded Abu Layla as the commander of the Manbij Military Council?

Muhammad Mustafa, also known by the nom de guerre Abu Adel, succeeded Abu Layla as the commander of the Manbij Military Council.

What transition in security responsibilities occurred in Manbij on August 19, 2016?

On August 19, 2016, the Manbij Military Council announced it was taking over the security of Manbij's city center and surrounding villages from the YPG and YPJ. However, some YPG and YPJ fighters remained to provide training and support.

What notable group defected and joined the Manbij Military Council in November 2016?

In early November 2016, a battalion from the Sham Legion defected and joined the Manbij Military Council.

When did the YPG and YPJ fully withdraw from Manbij, and what was the implication for the Council?

The remaining YPG and YPJ fighters withdrew from Manbij on November 17, 2016. This withdrawal meant that the Manbij Military Council assumed full responsibility for the area's security and troop training.

What significant territorial handover did the Manbij Military Council execute in March 2017, and with whom?

On March 2, 2017, the Manbij Military Council transferred control of a large territory west of Manbij to the Syrian Army. This action was intended to establish a buffer zone against Turkish-backed rebels.

What alliance was mentioned in connection with the Manbij Military Council's territorial handover to the Syrian Army?

The Manbij Military Council mentioned reaching a new alliance with Russia in relation to the territorial handover west of Manbij to Syrian state forces.

What was the Manbij Military Council's stated rationale for ceding territory west of Manbij to the Syrian Army?

The council stated that the handover was to defend civilians, ensure Manbij's security, thwart Turkish invasion plans, and because it was clear that the United States had limitations on its intervention to support SDF interests west of the Euphrates River.

How many Manbij Military Council fighters were involved in the Battle of Tabqa in April 2017?

It was announced on April 17, 2017, that 200 fighters from the Manbij Military Council would participate in the Battle of Tabqa as part of the larger Raqqa campaign.

What was the role of the Manbij Military Council in the Battle of Raqqa in 2017?

The Manbij Military Council actively fought in the Battle of Raqqa starting from June 6, 2017. Their general commander, Adnan Abu Amjad, was killed in action during this battle on August 29, 2017.

Who was appointed as the new general commander of the Manbij Military Council following Adnan Abu Amjad's death?

Muhammad Mustafa Ali, also known by his nom de guerre Abu Adel, was appointed as the general commander of the Manbij Military Council on September 17, 2017, succeeding Adnan Abu Amjad.

What incident occurred involving Abu Adel on November 5, 2017?

On November 5, 2017, Abu Adel, the general commander of the Manbij Military Council, was wounded by an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Harakat al-Qiyam, a rebel group operating in northern Syria.

What new military unit was established in November 2017, and who was it named after?

On November 27, 2017, the Martyr Adnan Abu Amjad Regiment was established with 250 fighters and joined the Manbij Military Council. It was named in honor of the former commander, Adnan Abu Amjad.

How did the Manbij Military Council respond to the Turkish invasion of Afrin in 2018?

The Manbij Military Council issued a strong condemnation of the Turkish invasion, describing it as an aggression practicing ethnic cleansing and mass genocide against the people in Afrin, and aimed at creating terrorist groups in peaceful areas.

What defensive measures did the Manbij Military Council undertake in anticipation of a potential Turkish attack in 2018?

The Council prepared to resist a possible Turkish assault on Manbij. This involved transferring hundreds of additional SDF troops from the Deir ez-Zor frontlines to bolster defenses.

What was the outcome of the agreement between Turkey and the U.S. on June 5, 2018, concerning Manbij?

On June 5, 2018, Turkey and the U.S. agreed to a roadmap for the Manbij region. Following this agreement, the YPG announced the withdrawal of its remaining forces from Manbij, stating they had been serving as tactical advisors to the MMC.

What did the Manbij Military Council Co-Chair state in March 2019 regarding Russian intentions?

In March 2019, the Co-Chair of the Manbij Military Council informed Al-Monitor that Russian commanders had indicated they would deploy their forces along the demarcation line the moment American forces withdrew from the area.

What role did the Manbij Military Council play in capturing militants responsible for a January 2019 bombing?

The Manbij Military Council facilitated the capture of five Islamic State militants who were believed to be responsible for a suicide bombing in January 2019 that resulted in the deaths of four Americans.

What attack did the Islamic State claim responsibility for on March 26, 2019, and what was its impact on the MMC?

On March 26, 2019, the Islamic State claimed responsibility for a checkpoint bombing that resulted in the deaths of seven members of the Manbij Military Council.

How did the Manbij Military Council prepare for potential Turkish operations during Operation Peace Spring in 2019?

During Operation Peace Spring, the Council prepared to defend Manbij against Turkey. This preparation continued until the SDF reached a military agreement with the Syrian Government and Russia, which aimed to prevent a Turkish operation.

What was the outcome of the military agreement between the SDF, Syrian Government, and Russia in October 2019 regarding Manbij?

Under the terms of the agreement, Russian and Syrian troops were positioned along the Autonomous Administration's borders with Turkey near Manbij. However, the Syrian Government did not establish institutions within Manbij itself, despite some media reports suggesting otherwise.

What call did the Manbij Military Council issue in February 2020 concerning fighters in Turkish-occupied zones?

On February 3, 2020, the Manbij Military Council urged residents of Manbij who were serving in Syrian National Army militias within Turkish-occupied territories to defect and return to the Manbij region.

What incident involving the spokesperson Shervan Derwish occurred in June 2020?

On June 10, 2020, Shervan Derwish, the spokesperson for the Manbij Military Council, survived an assassination attempt involving an improvised explosive device (IED).

Why did the Manbij Military Council suspend regional conscription in June 2021?

The Manbij Military Council announced a halt to regional conscription on June 2, 2021, in response to local protests and some instances of rioting against the measure.

How have Turkish forces engaged with Manbij Military Council positions since 2021?

Turkish forces have repeatedly shelled Manbij Military Council positions multiple times in 2021 and constantly shelled the Manbij countryside, including villages, in 2022. These actions have resulted in civilian casualties and displacement.

What vow did the Manbij Military Council and its components make in 2022 regarding Turkish operations?

In 2022, the Manbij Military Council, along with constituent groups like the Kurdish Front, Al-Bab Military Council, and the Army of Revolutionaries, reiterated their commitment to resist any Turkish military operation targeting the Manbij region.

What was the status of Manbij Military Council forces during the 2024 Manbij offensive and subsequent ceasefire?

During the 2024 Manbij offensive and the subsequent US-brokered ceasefire between the SDF and the Syrian National Army, Manbij Military Council forces withdrew from the city of Manbij.

As of late December 2024, where did the Manbij Military Council claim to maintain a presence?

As of December 25, 2024, the Manbij Military Council claimed to still have a presence on the west bank of the Euphrates River, specifically in the area of Tishrin.

What is the official website listed for the Manbij Military Council?

The official website listed for the Manbij Military Council is manbijmc.org.

What does the symbol '†' next to some commanders' names signify?

The symbol '†' (a dagger) next to a commander's name, as seen with Adnan Abdul Aziz Ahmed, signifies that the individual was killed in action.

What does the abbreviation 'DOW' signify in relation to a commander's entry?

The abbreviation 'DOW' stands for Died Of Wounds, indicating that a commander, such as Faisal Abdi Bilal Saadoun (Abu Layla), passed away after sustaining injuries.

What is the significance of the 'infobox-caption' for the flag image?

The infobox-caption provides a descriptive label for the image, identifying it as the Flag of the Manbij Military Council, which helps contextualize the visual element within the article.

How does the article describe the involvement of US special operations forces and coalition airstrikes during the Manbij offensive?

The article states that the Manbij offensive involved US special operations forces and minimal YPG and YPJ involvement, supported by airstrikes from the US-led coalition.

Manbij Military Council Wiki: Manbij Military Council: A Chronicle of Conflict and Governance

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Overview

Formation and Role

The Manbij Military Council (MMC) is a coalition established on April 2, 2016, by several groups within the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Primarily founded by the Northern Sun Battalion, its formation occurred at the Tishrin Dam on the Euphrates River. The MMC spearheaded the SDF's Manbij offensive, which successfully captured the city of Manbij from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) within two months. A significant portion of the MMC's fighters originate from Manbij and its surrounding regions.

Strategic Importance

Manbij, a strategically vital city in northern Syria, became a focal point of conflict due to its location along key supply routes and its proximity to both Turkish and Syrian government-controlled territories. The MMC's control over Manbij and its surrounding areas has been crucial for the SDF's broader objectives and regional stability efforts.

Governance and Administration

Following the capture of Manbij, a civilian council was formed in Sarrin by individuals displaced by ISIL's occupation. This council, comprising Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen, and Circassians, was established to administer Manbij post-liberation. The MMC has also been involved in territorial handovers and security arrangements with other Syrian and international actors.

Historical Trajectory

Key Milestones

The Manbij Military Council has been involved in numerous significant events since its inception:

2016

April 2: Manbij Military Council (MMC) established.
June: Led the SDF's Manbij offensive against ISIL.
August 19: MMC took over security of Manbij city center from YPG/YPJ.
November: A battalion from the Sham Legion defected and joined the MMC.
November 17: Remaining YPG/YPJ fighters withdrew, leaving security and training to the MMC.

2017

March 2: Handed over territory west of Manbij to the Syrian Army to create a buffer zone.
April 17: 200 fighters participated in the Battle of Tabqa.
May 24: An additional 2,200 fighters deployed for the Raqqa campaign.
June 6: Participated in the Battle of Raqqa.
August 29: General Commander Adnan Abu Amjad was killed in action during the Battle of Raqqa.
September 17: Muhammad Mustafa Ali ("Abu Adel") appointed new General Commander.
November 5: Abu Adel wounded by an IED.
November 27: Martyr Adnan Abu Amjad Regiment established and joined the MMC.

2018

January: Prepared to resist a possible Turkish attack on Manbij, with SDF troops transferred from Deir Ezzor.
February: Condemned the Turkish invasion of Afrin.
June 5: YPG announced withdrawal of remaining forces, stating they served as advisors to the MMC.

2019

March 11: MMC Co-Chair reported Russian commanders indicated deployment along demarcation lines post-US withdrawal.
March 19: Facilitated capture of five ISIL militants linked to a bombing that killed Americans.
March 26: ISIL claimed responsibility for a checkpoint bombing killing 7 MMC members.
October 15: Russian and Syrian troops positioned along SDF frontlines with Turkey in Manbij as part of an agreement.

2020

February 20: Called on Manbij residents serving in Turkish-backed militias to defect.
June 10: Spokesperson Shervan Derwish survived an IED assassination attempt.

2021

June 2: Halted regional conscription following local protests and riots.
Repeated shelling of MMC positions by Turkish forces throughout the year.

2022

Constant Turkish shelling of Manbij countryside, causing civilian displacement.
MMC and allied components vowed to resist any Turkish operation.

2024

December: MMC forces withdrew from Manbij city as part of the 2024 offensive and subsequent ceasefire. Claimed continued presence on the west bank of the Euphrates in Tishrin.

Key Commanders

Top Commanders

The leadership of the Manbij Military Council has seen several key figures:

Adnan Abdul Aziz Ahmed ("Adnan Abu Amjad"): Served as Top Commander from 2016 until his death in action in August 2017.
Muhammad Mustafa Ali ("Abu Adel"): Succeeded Adnan Abu Amjad as Top Commander in September 2017. He was wounded in November 2017.

Spokesperson

Shervan Derwish has served as the official spokesperson for the Manbij Military Council and survived an assassination attempt in June 2020.

Notable Commanders

Other significant figures who have been part of the MMC's command structure include:

Faisal Abdi Bilal Saadoun ("Abu Layla"): Died of wounds in 2016.
Dilsuz Hashme
Ibrahim Semho (Euphrates Liberation Brigade)
Abu Jassim
Abu Khalaf
Ahmad Arsh (Manbij Revolutionaries Battalion)
Ibrahim al-Banawi

Affiliations and Alliances

Part of SDF

The Manbij Military Council is an integral component of the **Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)**, operating under its umbrella. This affiliation provides strategic coordination and support within the broader anti-ISIL coalition efforts.

Key Groups

The MMC is composed of various fighting units, including:

Northern Sun Battalion
Euphrates Brigades
Soldiers of the Two Holy Mosques Brigade
Euphrates Martyrs Brigade
Dam Martyrs Brigade
Al-Qusais Brigade
Manbij Turkmen Battalion
Euphrates Liberation Brigade
Manbij Hawks Brigade
Manbij Revolutionaries Battalion
Martyr Adnan Abu Amjad Regiment
Martyr Abdo Dushka Regiment

Allies

The MMC has operated with significant support from the **United States** and **France**, primarily through coalition airstrikes and special operations forces assistance during key offensives.

Opponents

The MMC has engaged in conflict against several factions, including:

Islamic State (ISIL)
Syrian National Army (SNA)
Turkey (though MMC denies direct conflict with Turkey, they oppose Turkish military actions)

Major Operations & Conflicts

Engagements

The Manbij Military Council has been central to numerous critical military campaigns in northern Syria:

Manbij Offensive (2016): The defining operation, leading to the capture of Manbij city from ISIL.
Operation Euphrates Shield: Involved in operations alongside Turkish-backed forces, including the Battle of al-Bab.
East Aleppo Offensive (2017)
Raqqa Campaign (2016–2017): Participated in the battles for Tabqa and Raqqa city.
Eastern Syria Insurgency (2017–present): Ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
Deir ez-Zor Campaign (2017–2019): Including the Battle of Baghuz Fawqani.
Turkish Offensives (2018, 2019, 2024): Responded to and resisted Turkish military actions and invasions, often coordinating with Syrian and Russian forces for defensive purposes.
2024 Syrian Opposition Offensives: Including Operation Dawn of Freedom and the Manbij offensive (2024), which led to the council's withdrawal from the city.

Operational Details

Headquarters

The MMC's headquarters have been located at the Tishrin Dam prior to the 2016 offensive and subsequently in the city of Manbij itself after its capture.

Active Regions

The council operates primarily within the governorates of Aleppo, Raqqa, Hasakah, and Deir ez-Zor in Syria.

Size

As of 2018, the estimated size of the Manbij Military Council forces was between 5,000 to 6,000 fighters.

Official Website

The official website for the Manbij Military Council is available at: manbijmc.org.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Manbij Military Council" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about manbij_military_council while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

dwight d. eisenhower memorial

leopold mozart

sh ō tai

enigma machine

national academy of medicine

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Manbij Military Council Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. The geopolitical situation in Syria is complex and rapidly evolving.

This is not political or military advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional analysis, consultation, or strategic assessment. Always refer to official statements, reputable news sources, and expert analysis for current and comprehensive understanding of the situation. Never disregard professional advice or analysis because of information found on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Manbij Military Council

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

🏛️ Formation and Role

🗺️ Strategic Importance

⚖️ Governance and Administration

Historical Trajectory ⏳

🗓️ Key Milestones

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2024

Key Commanders 👨‍✈️

⭐ Top Commanders

🗣️ Spokesperson

👥 Notable Commanders

Affiliations and Alliances 🤝

🔗 Part of SDF

🛡️ Key Groups

🇺🇸 Allies

⚔️ Opponents

Major Operations & Conflicts ⚔️

💥 Engagements

Operational Details 📍

🏠 Headquarters

🌍 Active Regions

👥 Size

🌐 Official Website

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Formation and Role

Strategic Importance

Governance and Administration

Historical Trajectory

Key Milestones

Key Commanders

Top Commanders

Spokesperson

Notable Commanders

Affiliations and Alliances

Part of SDF

Key Groups

Allies

Opponents

Major Operations & Conflicts

Engagements

Operational Details

Headquarters

Active Regions

Size

Official Website

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice