The Arab tribal insurgency in Eastern Syria has been taking place against the Syrian Democratic Forces in the Deir ez-Zor region.
| Arab tribal insurgency in Eastern Syria | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Eastern Syria insurgency | |||||||
Syrian Democratic Forces | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Mazloum Abdi Ayed al-Turki al-Khabil Nesrin Abdullah Abu Omar al-Idlibi | Ibrahim al-Hafl Hashim al-Sattam Muhammad al-Sa'eed Nawaf al-Bashir | ||||||
| Units involved | |||||||
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| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| Unknown killed 6 captured | 1 killed, 3 injured | ||||||
| Unknown | |||||||
Background
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.
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.
Timeline
2023
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. The "Ousoud al-Ashiyer" militia, backed by Iran, attempted to cross the Euphrates from government-held areas to join the Deir ez-Zor rebellion. The rebellion was repelled by the SDF, with Deir ez-Zor Military Council and Women's Protection Units, and the United States Air Force. 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.
2024
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 and Gharanij from government-held territory.
2025
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. 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. The subsequent week saw Asayish initiate a security operation that led to multiple arrests.
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.
See also
- Deir ez-Zor Governorate campaign
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