Celebration in Syria's Manbij after Islamic State loses control

Syrians were in a celebratory mood after Islamic State (IS) fighters were ousted from Manbij in Aleppo, near the Turkish border.

Manbij's liberation is a big step in the long war against Isil https://t.co/yB4Eslh09Z

— Telegraph News (@TelegraphNews) August 13, 2016

While some recounted the horrors the militants meted out on the people most were grateful that freedom was finally here.

“I am happy, thanks be to God, “ said one man. “May God salute you! You are our children, you are our heroes, you are the blood of our hearts, you are our eyes. Go out Daesh!” said a woman.

Residents of the Syrian city Manbij are seen celebrating in the streets after Islamic State is pushed out https://t.co/AjBbWZfImd

— Sky News (@SkyNews) August 13, 2016

After 6 months of fighting ,the US backed forced gained control of the city cutting off a key supply route for the militants.

The battles between Syrian rebel forces and IS had forced many civilians out of Manbij and there were concerns that IS were using some civilians as human shields.

US officials say this victory acts as an impetus for retaking Raqqa , the de-facto capital of the Islamic State fighters but anticipate a tough battle.

IS fighters who had captured large chunks of Syrian territory have been losing ground steadily.

Smoking, cutting off beards, burning niqabs… Manbij residents celebrate liberation from IS https://t.co/LWg85T8FGK pic.twitter.com/4yO8gkVM7L

— Brenda StoterBoscolo (@BrendaStoter) August 13, 2016

Reuters