Rebels 'Take City Of Manbij From IS In Syria'

US-backed rebel forces say they have taken full control of the Syrian city of Manbij from Islamic State.

A spokesman for the Syria Democratic Forces (SDF), which has been fighting IS for control of the city, said the last remaining fighters have now left.

The SDF are now sweeping the city in case any militants are in hiding.
Up to 2,000 civilians, who were taken hostage by IS amid claims they were being held as human shields, have been freed, the rebel spokesman said.

Pictures show many of the civilians, which included women who had recently given birth to newborns, in tears as they are led to safety.

Sharfan Darwish of the SDF allied Manbij Military Council told Reuters: "The city is now fully under our control but we are undertaking sweeping operations."