Illustrative image, SDF’s security forces
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) arrested a group of suspects believed to be involved in the January 16 Manbij attack on U.S. forces, the US-backed group spokesman revealed on March 19.
“A group of suspects believed to be involved in January 16 Manbij bombing that killed several US and SDF servicemen were captured following technical surveillance by our forces. The outcome of the ongoing investigation will be shared at a later time,” Mustafa Bali wrote on Twitter.
The spokesman didn’t provide additional information regarding the operation. However, a U.S. defense official told the CNN that the number of suspects who were arrested was five.
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jonathan R. Farmer, Navy Chief Cryptologic Technician Shannon M. Kent, Department of Defense civilian employee Scott A. Wirtz and civilian interpreter Ghadir Taher were killed in Manbij attack, that also claimed the lives of ten Syrian civilians.
The Manbij bombing was the deadliest attack on U.S. forces in Syria since Washington began a military campaign against ISIS there in 2014.
Few days after the attack, the SDF and U.S. forces raided several houses inside the city of Manbij and arrested many suspects. However, none were apparently responsible for that particular bombing.
ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack and said that it was carried out by a suicide bomber. However, Kurdish sources casted doubt on the terrorist group’s claims.
