Title: The unstable situation continues in Deir Ezzor province: Syrian Democratic Forces face daily guerrilla warfare
Introduction :
Syria’s Deir Ezzor province has recently been the scene of violent clashes between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Arab insurgents. Although the FDS have proclaimed the end of the fighting and the recapture of all localities in the province, the situation remains very unstable due to the daily guerrilla operations carried out by Arab fighters. In this article, we take a closer look at the causes of these clashes, the consequences for the region and the challenges facing the SDF.
The origins of the clashes:
The SDF, a coalition originally made up of Kurdish fighters, was created in 2015 with the aim of fighting the Islamic State group. Later, Arab fighters, recruited from local Bedouin tribes, joined the coalition. However, dissensions within the SDF emerged, particularly between Kurdish and Arab elements, leading to increasing tensions.
The arrest of Ahmad al-Khabil, head of the Deir Ezzor Military Council, was the trigger for the clashes. Al-Khabil, an influential member of the al-Uqaidat tribe, was arrested by the SDF on charges of corruption and drug trafficking. In response to his arrest, his supporters launched attacks against the SDF to drive them out of Deir Ezzor.
The clashes and the current situation:
The clashes lasted eleven days and left more than 70 dead, according to a report from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The FDS finally announced the total recapture of the localities attacked by the Arab insurgents. However, the violence did not stop there. Arab fighters continued to carry out guerrilla attacks, mainly at night, targeting SDF bases and patrols.
Despite the SDF’s efforts to neutralize pockets of rebellion, Arab fighters from the al-Uqaidat tribe continued their attacks, particularly in the locality of al-Dhiban, where Ibrahim al-Hafl, leader of the tribe, became the leader of the resistance movement. The situation therefore remains very worrying, with almost daily attacks which hamper the stability of the region.
The challenges facing the FDS:
Continued attacks by Arab insurgents highlight ongoing tensions within the SDF. Kurdish and Arab forces, once allied in the fight against the Islamic State group, face divergent interests and objectives, fueling dissension. Additionally, allegations of abuses committed by the SDF against local Arab populations have also contributed to animosity towards the coalition.
Faced with this situation, the SDF must face complex challenges, including the dismantling of the Deir Ezzor Military Council, formerly composed of Arab fighters allied to the SDF. Additionally, they must effectively manage guerrilla operations to restore stability in Deir Ezzor province.
Conclusion :
Syria’s Deir Ezzor province continues to face an unstable situation and daily guerrilla warfare led by Arab insurgents against Syrian democratic forces. Dissensions within the SDF and allegations of abuses have contributed to animosity between Kurdish and Arab factions, further complicating conflict resolution. To achieve lasting stability, it is essential that the SDF manage to resolve these differences and find common ground with local Arab tribes.