Conflict between PKK/YPG, Arab tribes intensify in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor

By Mehmet Burak Karacaoglu

Deir ez-Zor, SYRIA (AA) - The conflict is deepening with Arab tribes in the PKK/YPG-occupied area of Deir ez-Zor in eastern Syria.

According to local sources, clashes erupted on Aug. 27 when PKK terrorists detained Ahmed al-Habil, the so-called group leader of Deir ez-Zor Military Council, following long-standing tensions between both groups.

The tribes of Baggara, Bushaban, Tayy, Bukeyir and Jubur gathered under the umbrella of Akidat, one of the largest tribes in the region which led the clashes against the terrorist organization.

People in the villages of Suwaidan, Jurzi, Abu Hardub, Beheira, Shaafah, Shinan,Hawayj, Dhiban, Shuhayl, Izbe and Tayyana also joined hands against the PKK/YPG.

Arab tribes targeted the so-called PKK/YPG headquarters in those villages and drove the members of the terrorist organization out of the region.

The clashes in these villages resulted in casualties among the terrorist organization's ranks, and numerous terrorists were apprehended.

- PKK/YPG terrorists arrest civilians

While being driven out of Izbe village, PKK/YPG terrorists detained numerous civilians and engaged in looting houses and shops in the village.

In an audio recording circulated on social media, Ibrahim al-Hafil, leader of the Akidat tribe, called upon all Arab tribes in the region to unite against the PKK/YPG.

He also demanded the release of civilians detained by the organization. Al-Hafil advocated for the establishment of a military council representing the Arab tribes in the region, independent of PKK/YPG control, with the US as its direct point of contact.

- Tensions brewing in background

The so-called military council, which operates under the YPG/PKK with the financial and military support of the US, has been uneasy for a while with the thought that the Sanadid Forces will be replaced or lose dominance.

Thus the so-called council opposes Sanadid Forces sending armed fighters to the regions east of the Euphrates River.

On July 25, 2023, clashes took place between the armed Arabs in the military council and the so-called military police affiliated with the PKK/YPG.

It is stated that the Deir ez-Zor Military Council has nearly 4,000 fighters, while the Sanadid Forces have around 2,000 to 3,000 fighters

*Writing by Seda Sevencan