Arab tribal militias opposing Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria have seized control of the town of Hajin in Deir ez-Zor province. This marks the fifth settlement taken by these militias, following the capture of Ash-Shahil, Hawaij, Al-Susa, and Zeyban from Kurdish groups in the region. The conflict underscores the ongoing tensions and clashes between different ethnic and tribal groups in northeastern Syria, Al Hadath reports.
According to its information, intense clashes between the Arab tribal militias and the Kurdish "Syrian Democratic Forces" (SDF) erupted on August 27, resulting in a significant toll on both sides. Reportedly, 25 militiamen, 11 SDF fighters, and 9 civilians lost their lives, while around 40 individuals were wounded in the conflict. The situation has been further complicated by the demand from the Military Council of Deir ez-Zor province for the release of its leader, Sheikh Ahmad al-Khbeil, who was detained by the Kurds on August 27. This development has spurred calls from Jalal al-Khbeil, the brother of the detained leader, for Arab residents to defy Kurdish authorities in SDF-controlled areas in northeastern Syria. These events highlight the deep-seated tensions and complex dynamics in the region.
On July 24, influential tribal leaders expressed their support for returning areas under Kurdish control in Al Hasakah, Raqqa, and Deir ez-Zor to Syrian state sovereignty. During a meeting held in the town of al-Meyadeen, these leaders asserted that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had effectively become proxy forces protecting US military bases. The presence of approximately 900 US troops stationed at nine military bases in northeastern Syria, with the largest base situated in Tell Beydar, has added complexity to the ongoing situation in the region.
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Based on materials from TASS