On August 7, a coalition of Syrian Arab tribes launched a massive attack on US-backed Kurdish forces in eastern Syria’s Deir Ezzor region, seizing several towns in what’s been described as the largest assault of its kind. The tribes used artillery and machine guns, leading to intense clashes around towns like Abu Hamam and Dhiban. The fighting resulted in civilian casualties and displacement, with at least 10 Kurdish fighters captured and heavy weaponry seized. The US responded with airstrikes and reinforcements, while the tribes, led by Sheikh Ibrahim al-Hafel, vowed to continue their rebellion against Kurdish control. This surge of violence follows recent tensions and the release of ISIS fighters from Kurdish camps.
The tribes used artillery and mortar fire to support their attack. Fighting erupted around several towns, including Abu Hamam, Dhiban, Al-Lattwa, Al-Kashkiya, and Gharanij. The battles were especially fierce in Al-Sabha and Al-Tayana, located east of Deir Ezzor.
The Arab tribes targeted the SDF with RPGs and machine guns. As a result, the SDF imposed a strict curfew and brought in reinforcements from other areas like Hasakah and Raqqa. They also conducted searches in the surrounding villages.
Residents reported that many people were forced to flee their homes. The fighting led to the deaths of three civilians and injured seven others. Additionally, the tribal fighters captured at least ten SDF members and seized a lot of weapons. Both sides suffered losses during the clashes.
The Arab tribes managed to damage three military Hummers near a US base in the Al-Omar oilfield. Meanwhile, the SDF tightened security and closed roads in several areas, while US helicopters attacked tribal forces near the Euphrates River. The US also sent more troops to their base at the Al-Omar oilfield.
Sheikh Ibrahim al-Hafel, who led the tribal rebellion last year, declared that the tribes would not accept SDF control and had the right to free their land from the SDF.
The tribal rebellion began in late August last year and has seen ongoing conflict despite occasional lulls. The tribes had been receiving support and training from the Syrian Arab Army. The recent attack followed a controversial move by the SDF, who had released hundreds of ISIS fighters from their camps a month earlier.
