SDF says Iranian-backed militias intimidate eastern Euphrates locals
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said on Friday their forces targeted gunmen who infiltrated into the eastern bank of the Euphrates and intimidated the locals and looted their properties in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, east Syria.
The gunmen are affiliated with Nawaf al-Bashir, leader of al-Baggara tribe and a pro-Iranian figure whose groups are active in the western bank of the Euphrates which is under the control of the Syrian government forces and Iranian-backed militias.
The SDF targeted the “mercenaries and criminal elements” of Nawaf al-Bashir in the villages of Jadid Baggara and Jadid Akidat in the east of Deir ez-Zor last night. They also clashed with others in the villages of al-Shuhail and Diban in the same areas on Friday morning, the SDF Media Center said in a statement.
“The security forces successfully concluded the search operation in Al-Dahla village and various segments of Al-Basira town earlier this morning, during which three mercenaries affiliated with ‘Nawaf Al-Bashir’ were neutralized subsequent to their infiltration into the region,” the SDF added.
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.
Earlier on Friday, Layth al-Bashir, son of Nawaf, along with Iranian militias crossed the Euphrates to the town of al-Shuhail from the city of al-Mayadin, west of the Euphrates.
The SDF pointed out that in sixth day of the “Security Reinforcement” the operations remain dedicated to “tracking down mercenary groups that deliberately orchestrate attacks within civilian areas and exploit private residences as concealment sites to obstruct the progress of the security campaign and delay the timely resolution.”
The SDF confirmed its “unwavering commitment to purging the region of mercenary groups and ISIS terrorist cells until the operational objectives are fully realized.”