By Esref Musa
TEL ABYAD, Syria (AA) - Seven locations saw fighting between Arab tribes and the US-backed terror group, PKK/YPG, in an escalation of tensions in Syria's eastern province of Deir ez-Zor, according to sources.
The clashes unfolded in the eastern and southeastern rural areas of Deir ez-Zor during the nighttime hours.
The Arab tribes, facing pressure from the terror group, engaged in combat with the terrorists.
The villages of Al Shheell, Al Kubr, Diban, Al-Jurzi, Al-Hawajidz, Sijan and Al Busayrah were the focal points of the conflict. Arab tribes targeted terrorist-controlled checkpoints, headquarters and vehicles.
The fighting marks the first conflict in Deir ez-Zor in 2024.
In areas occupied by the PKK/YPG in Deir ez-Zor, clashes have been occurring sporadically since August between oppressed Arab tribes and terrorists.
Arab tribes cleared 33 villages in Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa and Hasakah provinces, as well as the Manbij district of Aleppo, from terrorism by conducting attacks between Aug. 27 and Sept. 13.
The tribal forces, however, later withdrew from the villages to prevent civilian casualties from YPG/PKK attacks and agreed to negotiate with US forces, who served as mediators in the region.
- PKK/YPG occupation in Deir ez-Zor
The entire population of Deir ez-Zor, which the terror organization has occupied under the name of "fighting against Daesh/ISIS" with the support of the US military, consists of Arabs.
The terror group forcibly conscripts Arab children in areas it occupies.
The terrorists generate income by selling oil to Damascus through smugglers, from seized oil wells in the region, despite US sanctions. While the YPG/PKK uses the income for its purposes, residents in the region are deprived of services and much-needed aid.
* Writing by Seda Sevencan