Clashes Escalate Between Syrian Tribal Fighters, SDF In Deir Ez-Zor
Scattered clashes between some Syrian nomads and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) keep pace and have spread to other areas of Deir ez-Zor Governorate.
Late Friday, after intensifying clashes and suffering heavy losses, the SDF deployed many support forces in the eastern and southeastern outskirts of Deir ez-Zor Governorate.
In contrast, Syrian nomads managed to occupy several Syrian Democratic Forces positions and destroy several armored vehicles. The Syrian Democratic Forces emphasized in a statement that they will continue their operations in Deir ez-Zor Governorate.
The Syrian Democratic Forces accused Arab tribes allied with the Syrian government and ISIS members of escalating violence and conflict in the Governorate.
The Syrian Democratic Forces succeeded hours ago in entering the city of Al-Sahba located in southeastern Deir ez-Zor Governorate and brought areas on the outskirts of Al-Basira and Ziban under their control. However, areas in eastern and southeastern Deir ez-Zor Governorate are still under the control of Syrian nomads.
Read more: Clashes In East Syria Between Tribes, US-Backed SDF Intensify (Video)
With the expansion of clashes, the exchange of fire between the warring parties was extended to the outskirts of US-led coalition bases in Koniko natural gas field and Al-Omar oil field, but US forces did not intervene in these clashes.
According to some sources, clashes in Deir ez-Zor Governorate have so far resulted in the death of 31 Syrian nomads, 13 militants affiliated to the Syrian Democratic Forces, 4 unidentified individuals, and 6 civilians including three children and one woman.
Clashes in Deir ez-Zor Governorate can gradually turn into a dangerous and widespread ethnic conflict in northern and eastern Syria.
The conflict between Arab tribes and the Syrian Democratic Forces has spread to the northern outskirts of Aleppo Governorate. With the increase of tensions, there are speculations about the start of new round of clashes between Syrian nomads against the Syrian Democratic Forces on the southern outskirts of Al-Hasakah Governorate. Time will tell how far these clashes will continue.
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