| Arab tribal insurgency in Eastern Syria | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Eastern Syria insurgency | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Units involved | |||||||
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| Strength | |||||||
| Unknown | |||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| Unknown killed 6 captured [8] | 1 killed, 3 injured [8] | ||||||
| Unknown | |||||||
The Arab tribal insurgency in Eastern Syria has been taking place against the Syrian Democratic Forces in the Deir ez-Zor region.
Arab tribal representatives have accused the SDF of stealing the region's oil resources and using its wealth to fund Kurdish-majority regions in the occupation during Deir ez-Zor campaign (2017–2019). In addition to the SDF's discrimination against Arab tribal groups. [9]
In July 2023, SDF forces moved towards the Euphrates apparently to deter an attack by Iranian and Syrian forces massing on the west bank of the river. [10]
On 27 August 2023, clashes broke out between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Arab Tribal and Clan Forces, after the arrest of Abu Khawla. The al-Bakir, al-Shuhayl, Dulaim and Albu Khabur tribes took up arms against the SDF, while the Al-Baggara and most of the Al-Shaitat have remained aligned with the SDF. [11] The "Ousoud al-Ashiyer" militia, backed by Iran, attempted to cross the Euphrates from government-held areas to join the Deir ez-Zor rebellion. [12] The rebellion was repelled by the SDF, with Deir ez-Zor Military Council and Women's Protection Units, and the United States Air Force. [13] The operations against the Syrian Democratic Forces were carried out by Liwa al-Quds, Zidan Al-Halloush's militia and Ahmed Al-Rayes's militia where members of Northern Democratic Brigade died. [14]
On 8 August 2024, the US Air Force bombed Arab areas, while the Arab Tribal and Clan Forces, commanded by Ibrahim al-Hafl, launched attacks on Diban, Abu Hardub [15] and Gharanij [16] from government-held territory. [17] [18] [19]
On 20 January 2025, gunmen reportedly affiliated with al-Hafl crossed the Euphrates River and launched an attack on SDF checkpoints and headquarters in the towns of Diban and Abu Hamam using rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). This assault resulted in injuries to three SDF fighters, who were later transported to Omar Military Hospital for medical treatment. A tribal faction led by al-Hafl advocated for an Arab uprising against the SDF. [20] [21] In retaliation, the SDF confronted the tribal fighters with fighters from Al-Hasakah to Deir ez-Zor. By the end of the following day, the SDF had all positions. [22] [23] The subsequent week saw Asayish initiate a security operation that led to multiple arrests. [24]
On 14 August 2025, clashes erupted between the SDF and Arab Tribal and Clan Forces insurgents; during the clashes, an Arab militant was killed, three others were injured and six SDF members were captured. [8]