Russia, Iran mobilize tribes against SDF in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor
HASAKAH, Syria (North Press) – General Igor Smoly, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Forces in Syria, head of the Reconciliation Center in Deir ez-Zor, General Andrei, and Nawaf al-Bashir, a pro-Iranian figure, met with tribal leaders in Deir ez-Zor Governorate, eastern Syria, to mobilize them against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
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 Islamic State (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 leader and with al-Bashir 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 meeting took place at the Russian Reconciliation Center in the town of Hatla, northeast Deir ez-Zor, and was attended by several Arab tribal leaders in Deir ez-Zor and the coordinator of reconciliation centers in Deir ez-Zor, Abdullah al-Shalash.
A source present at the meeting told North Press that attendees were asked to urge their peers in the eastern countryside to take up arms and direct them against the SDF and the Global Coalition.
Earlier on Saturday, Akram Mahshosh, leader of Jubur tribe, told North Press that Iran, Russia, and the Syrian government work on causing discord and inciting tribes in Deir ez-Zor.