Damascus, September 26, 2023, Fighting between pro-government and Kurdish-led forces in eastern Syria has left dozens dead in recent days, according to the Syrian Observatory on Human Rights (SOHR).
Violence broke out between the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and fighters loyal to President Bashar al-Assad in Deir Ezzor on Monday, leading to at least 25 deaths so far.
The SDF said in a statement that it had “driven out the regime gunmen who had infiltrated the Dheiban area” of Deir Ezzor province.
It added that the pro-government forces had crossed the Euphrates “under cover of an indiscriminate bombardment” of its positions.
The SOHR said 21 of those killed were pro-government and three were SDF fighters, while another woman was also killed.
Conflict between the SDF and local Arab groups in Deir Ezzor has become more frequent in recent months.
Earlier this month 10 days of fighting between the SDF and armed Arab tribesmen saw 90 people killed.
Local tribal groups have accused the SDF of autocratic behaviour in the Arab-majority region, while the SDF has accused the Syrian government of stirring up discontent.
One of the main demands of the tribes has been an end to SDF rule and the creation of an independent military council made up of local Arabs that would coordinate security and economic assistance directly with the US.
Source- The Middle East Eye
