The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces on Wednesday recaptured Dhiban town. And announced the end of military operations in Deir ez-Zor, following days of intense clashes with local pro-regime Arab tribes.
“Sweeping operations in Dhiban has completed. And now the town is clear of the armed groups who fled to regime-controlled areas. They originally came from earlier.,” Farhad Shami, Syrian Democratic forces spokesperson wrote on his X account.
The violence in several towns and villages in Kurdish-controlled areas of Deir Ezzor province has killed 71 people, mostly fighters but also nine civilians.
Last week, tensions rose when the Syrian Democratic forces detained Ahmed Khbeil, also known as Abu Khawla in Dhiban. The commander of the SDF-affiliated Deir ez-Zor Military Council, along with four other colleagues. They were arrested on charges of drug trafficking and collaborating with outside groups.
The recent developments in Deir ez-Zor have unveiled a concerning situation involving the Syrian regime and its allies. It has come to light that the Syrian regime, with the support of Russia, Iran, and Turkey, has provided arms to Arab tribes in the area with the intention of stirring up ethnic tensions between the Arab and Kurdish forces allied with the United States.
On Wednesday, SDF General Commander Abdi stated that the tensions in Deir ez-Zor were part of scheme by the Syria. He said that both Turkish and Syrian media have been exaggerating the situation in Deir ez-Zor.
Abdi stated that the Arab tribes in the region supported the SDF during fight against ISIS. “If the tribes of Deir ez-Zor had been against us, we would not have stayed there” he said.
The US Embassy in Syria reported that US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Ethan Goldrich and Major General Joel B. Vowell, commander of the US-led coalition, held a meeting with leaders SDF and local tribal leaders in Deir ez-Zor. During the meeting, they emphasized the significance of addressing the concerns of the province’s residents. And highlighted the risks associated with external intervention.
The Kurdish-led force then issued a statement confirming that it has the support of tribes in the Arab-majority province and that both sides have agreed to cooperate on security matters.
The Deir Ezzor province in Syria, mainly inhabited by Arab communities, is rich in resources and shares its borders with Iraq. It is home to various tribal groups. Some of these tribes have joined forces with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in their fight against the Islamic State (IS) extremist group.
Pro-USA Kurdish forces control half of the province and the Syrian government forces supported by Iran and their allies control the rest in the western part.
