Menbij council says dialogue with Assad regime is ongoing

Nazeefa Kilo said that  of course, the dialogue (between city council) and the Assad regime is ongoing regarding the return of the Russian troops (supporting the Assad militia) to the Areema area, and about the presence of the Assad army at the frontlines near the border area.

Currently, there is no member of the Assad army inside the city, they are only at the border area, the frontlines with the Euphrates Shield (Turkish cross-border operation), she said.

The city of Manbij in northern Syria has switched hands many times in Syria's war: from the Assad militia, to ISIS and back to US-backed militias.

Menbij, located some 30 km (20 miles) from the Turkish border, is emerging as the first place in the country to feel the effects of US President Donald Trump's abrupt decision to withdraw US forces whose presence has underpinned its stability since ISIS defeat here in 2016.