“why let them leave ?
kill ‘em or take ‘em prisoner.”
That is what they were doing for a month - not letting them leave, and killing them all.
There were several big fights, as ISIS tried to break out and run, or their buddies to tried to break in, to open a route for their escape. This is a significant change.
My guess is that there are a few factors/possibilities:
- They are running out of time with the larger war plan. They need to wrap up Manbij, because they are falling behind schedule for their next objective (maybe al Bab or Raqqa).
- Russia and the US head back to the negotiations next month, and there is rush to get out of the city and grab ground before the lines are frozen. The Kurds advanced pretty rapidly through the countryside before.
- The local tribes asked for this, because family members are held by ISIS as human shields, and are being killed. Food, water, medical and other basic services are becoming more desperate.
- There was a recent allegation of a bunch of civilians (dozens to hundreds, depending on the story) being killed by a coalition airstrike. It is looking more like agitprop, or greatly exaggerated, but it has been a big public relations issue the last two days.
- They may just sense/know that the jihadis are getting desperate to bolt, and might desert if given a chance. They might not intend to let them get far.
thanks. I like your last scenario the best.