Islamic State Claims Attack Killing Two Syrian Soldiers Near Manbij

Islamic State claimed responsibility for an attack near Manbij, Syria, that killed two soldiers, the Syrian Defense Ministry said. The attack follows a series of assaults by the group since February.

Pakistan Scope 21/06/2026 02:24

Islamic State Claims Attack Killing Two Syrian Soldiers Near Manbij — Islamic State Claims Attack Killing Two Syrian Soldiers

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for an attack near the city of Manbij in Syria’s northeastern Aleppo province that the Syrian Defense Ministry said killed two soldiers. The militant group made the claim in a statement on its Telegram channel. Reuters could not independently verify the claim.

Attack Details and Official Response

Earlier on Saturday, the Defense Ministry said two soldiers had been killed by unidentified assailants near Manbij but provided no further details. The attack came amid a series of assaults claimed by Islamic State since February, when the jihadist group announced what it described as a new phase of operations against the government of President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Broader Context

The Syrian government has expanded its control in parts of northern and eastern Syria, and US forces have begun withdrawing from some positions in the country’s northeast, according to Syrian military and security sources. These developments have created a security vacuum that militant groups may exploit.