Syria: A suicide bombing in the Syrian town of Manbij on Wednesday targeted the joint Coalition-SDF patrol, killing four U.S. soldiers and wounding three others, Reuters said while quoting a U.S. official.
The explosion occurred near a restaurant and caused extensive damage to surrounding shops and buildings. Multiple videos circulating on social media show aftermath of the attack.
ANHA released a video of the aftermath of the explosion #Syria pic.twitter.com/L5eGQPtXb0
— Michael A. Horowitz (@michaelh992) January 16, 2019
A CCTV footage circulating on social media purports to show the exact moment when the blast occurred.
VIDEO: Footage showing a bomb blast in Manbij, Syria, which reportedly has caused several US casualties. – @shiyarjemo pic.twitter.com/aj2jswhXfN
— Conflict News (@Conflicts) January 16, 2019
Another video shows U.S. rescue choppers in the sky over the Syrian town.
Footage circulating on social media purportedly show coalition helicopters over Manbij #Syria pic.twitter.com/cvSmDaKeIX
— Michael A. Horowitz (@michaelh992) January 16, 2019
According to initial reports, at least 7 civilians were also killed and injured in the attack.
The attack was almost instantly claimed by the Islamic State group, which released multiple claims for the attack.
Official Islamic State communique by al-Nashir claiming responsibility for the suicide bombing in Manbij, Syria identified the suicide bomber as Abu Yasin al-Shami. The statement further claims 9 killed and injured and says U.S. deployed choppers to rescue the personnel.
A statement given to Voice of America by International Coalition for Operation Inherent Resolve said:
“The President has been fully briefed and we will continue to monitor the ongoing situation in #Syria" per White House
re: deadly bombing in #Manbij claimed by #ISIS
— Jeff Seldin (@jseldin) January 16, 2019
A BBC journalist confirmed that a British SAS soldier entered the hotel complex in Nairobi to rescue hostages and in the process shot at the terrorists.
Confirmed to BBC that a serving SAS soldier “bravely” entered the hotel complex in #NairobiAttack to rescue hostages. Was in the country at the time as part of a training team. Was armed and opened fire on extremists as he went in to save hostages
— Jonathan Beale (@bealejonathan) January 16, 2019
A photo circulating on social media purports to show the suicide bomber who carried out the bombing:
Two U.S. service members, one Department of Defense civilian and one contractor were killed by an explosion while conducting a local engagement in the northern Syrian town of Manbij on Wednesday.
Three other U.S. service members were injured in the blast, according to U.S. officials.
Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led mission to defeat the Islamic State, did not provide further information regarding the cause of the explosion.
This story will be updated in case of new information.