SDF imposes curfew on Deir ez-Zor following clashes with gunmen
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Deir ez-Zor Military Council of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced on Friday evening a curfew on Deir ez-Zor area, eastern Syria, over clashes that have erupted for six days in the area.
The curfew will enter into forces on Sept. 2 at 5 am and will last for 48 hours, the SDF said in a statement.
On Aug. 27, the SDF launched a military operation called “Security Reinforcement” with the support of the US-led Global Coalition on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River, specifically in Deir ez-Zor, “to eradicate ISIS sleeper cells, pursue criminals responsible for perpetrating injustices against the local population, and to track down smugglers who exploit the populace’s livelihoods.”
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.
The operation led to the eruption of clashes between the SDF and gunmen affiliated with the dismissed leaders and 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 curfew came as a result of the recent security incidents in the villages of the east of Deir ez-Zor where gunmen affiliated to the security apparatuses of the “Syria regime” and the ISIS sleeper cells exploited to create a rift in the area, the SDF added.
The Internal Security Forces of North and East Syria (Asayish) also participated in the issuance of the curfew decision.
By imposing the curfew, the SDF noted, its forces seek to protect the lives of the civilians and their properties and to block the way in front of the infiltrated groups from hiding themselves in the moves of the locals.