Syria’s Deir ez-Zor facing risks more dangerous than ISIS
RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – A military spokesman said, on Monday, that Deir ez-Zor faces risks more dangerous than the activities of the sleeper cells of Islamic State (ISIS) because they undermine stability and bring the region into a state of continuous security chaos.
Mahmoud Habib, spokesman of the Northern Democratic Brigade, affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), accused Turkey, Iran and the Syrian government of targeting the societal system in areas of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES).
“Militants affiliated with these parties try to spread chaos in northern Syria. It was evident in Iran’s interventions in what is happening in Deir ez-Zor by sending militants from Iranian-backed militias east of the Euphrates River,” Habib said in an interview with North Press.
On Aug. 27, the SDF launched military operation called “Security Reinforcement” launched by the SDF against ISIS in Deir ez-Zor. The SDF later announced the dismissal of commander of Deir ez-Zor Military Council, Ahmad al-Khabil, known as Abu Khawla, from duty, for his involvement in crimes and violations.
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, according to security and field sources as well as videos on social media showing crossing of militants to the eastern bank of Euphrates River.
Iran seeks to control over eastern Euphrates either through intermediaries, paying sums of money or using the tribal and ethnic issues, which “makes the region vulnerable to great risks”, Habib pointed out.
The military spokesman believes this intervention is more dangerous than the activity of ISIS sleeper cells in the region.
Iran’s plans are more dangerous than ISIS because it works secretly to eliminate the unity of the community and bring the areas of northeastern Syria into a state of security chaos, according to Habib.