Pro-government figure visits clashes area in eastern Euphrates
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – Layth al-Bashir, son of Nawaf al-Bashir, leader of pro-Iran al-Baggara tribe in Syria, crossed the Euphrates River to the eastern side where clashes between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and gunmen have been taking place for five days, three source told North Press.
For the fifth day in a row, the areas extended from the town of al-Busayrah in the east of Deir ez-Zor to the town of Garanij, reaching the town of al-Suwar in the north have been witnessing a security tension after the SDF dismissed leaders of the Deir ez-Zor Military Council.
On Aug. 30, the SDF announced the dismissal of commander of Deir ez-Zor Military Council, Ahmad al-Khabil, known as Abu Khawla, from duty, for his involvement “in multiple crimes and violations, including communication and coordination with external entities hostile to the revolution, committing criminal offenses and engaging in drug trafficking, mismanaging of the security situation, his negative role in increasing the activities of ISIS cells,” according to the SDF.
This came amid a military operation launched by the SDF with support of the US-led Global Coalition on Aug. 27 called “Security Reinforcement” to pursue ISIS sleeper cells, drug traffickers, and vandals in Deir ez-Zor. Following the launch of the operation, clashes erupted between the SDF and gunmen in Deir ez-Zor.
Al-Bashir crossed the river to the town of al-Shuhail from the city of al-Mayadin, west of the Euphrates, which is under the control of the Syrian government and Iranian forces.
The sources said that Iranian militias crossed the Euphrates to the town of Diban, east of Deir ez-Zor.
On Aug. 29, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the National Defense Forces (NDF) affiliated with the Syrian government forces in the city of Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria.
Following the meeting, leaders of the NDF issued several decisions including suspending the leaves for the militiamen, reinforcing the military posts on the Euphrates banks, and imposing full readiness on the militiamen, the source added.
Exclusive sources told North Press that members of the Military Security Branch of the Syrian government attack checkpoints of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Deir ez-Zor.
The sources pointed out that Layth al-Bashir and Iranian militias entered the area to mobilize the tribes and lead the attacks against the SDF.
Al-Bashir is considered one of the closest figures to the Iranian leaders in Deir ez-Zor who has contributed in recruiting and Shiitizing thousands of the sons of the Arab tribes in Deir ez-Zor.