ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Clashes intensified on Tuesday between Arab tribesmen and US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in eastern Syria, leaving at least 10 people dead, and raising tension to the highest point in years.
The Kurdish-led SDF on Sunday arrested Ahmed Khbeil, better known as Abu Khawla, commander of the SDF-linked Deir ez-Zor Military Council, and several of his colleagues after inviting them to a meeting in Hasaka, northeast Syria (Rojava).
Abu Khawla hails from a powerful Arab tribe in the eastern province of Deir ez-Zor, with his arrest sparking anger among fellow tribesmen. Clashes ensued for two days in a row since the arrest.
UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitor reporting on the war, said that 10 Arab tribesmen and three SDF fighters were killed in clashes in the villages of Hrejieh and Breeha.
DeirEzzor24 news outlet, comprised of activists in the region, reported that eight civilians were killed in Hrejieh.
Pro-government Sham FM radio station also said that 10 people had been killed in Hrejieh and Breeha, with dozens of others being wounded, according to the Associated Press.
Neither the SDF nor its affiliated media have made any comments regarding the clashes, which are the worst to break out in eastern Syria in years.
Hours after the arrest of Abu Khawla, the SDF announced the launch of “Operation Security Reinforcement” in Deir ez-Zor, claiming to be in response to calls from local tribal leaders urging for more action against the Islamic State (ISIS). However, some activists have perceived this as a pretext for increasing reinforcement against tribesmen.
Our SDF Forces Launch “Operation Security Reinforcement” Against ISIS Cells In Deir Ezzor
— Farhad Shami (@farhad_shami) August 28, 2023
More:https://t.co/18PcBrg30R#SDF_PRESS
The Deir ez-Zor Military Council played a key role in the SDF’s military operations against ISIS in Syria. In response to the arrest, the council said that the commander had not made any concessions to the SDF, adding that locals of the province refused to support a newly-launched operation against the militant group.
The clashes have sparked concerns that divisions among US-backed Kurdish and Arab fighters will jeopardize combined efforts in the fight against ISIS.
