Western al-Bab offensive (September 2016)

The Western al-Bab offensive (September 2016) was a military operation launched by the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and Turkish Armed Forces as part of Operation Euphrates Shield, with the goal of capturing the city of al-Bab from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The offensive focused on the western approaches to al-Bab, aiming to secure strategic villages and disrupt ISIS supply lines in the area.

The operation involved a combination of ground troops from the FSA, supported by Turkish artillery, airstrikes, and special forces. The offensive saw fierce clashes between the FSA/Turkish forces and ISIS militants, with both sides suffering casualties. Control of villages and strategic high ground frequently changed hands throughout the offensive.

Key objectives included capturing villages surrounding al-Bab, cutting off ISIS supply routes from the west, and creating a buffer zone to prevent ISIS from launching attacks against Turkish territory. The offensive progressed slowly due to ISIS's extensive defensive preparations, including the use of IEDs, car bombs, and sniper fire.

Ultimately, while the Western al-Bab offensive in September 2016 made progress in pushing ISIS back from the western countryside around al-Bab, it did not result in the immediate capture of the city. The battle for al-Bab would continue for several months with further offensives and heavy fighting until the city was eventually captured in February 2017. The September phase is notable for setting the stage for subsequent operations and demonstrating the challenges of fighting ISIS in fortified urban environments.