US Senator calls for de-escalation of tension in NE Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – US Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called on Thursday for the de-escalation of tension in northeast Syria.
Menendez released a statement, urging all parties in Deir ez-Zor Governorate, eastern Syria, and northeast Syria to remain committed to recent efforts made to de-escalate recent tensions and find a sustainable path forward.
“Renewed fighting will only serve the interests of ISIS, the Assad regime, and Iran,” according to the statement.
He renewed commitment to support the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), saying “we appreciate the work we have done” by the SDF to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS.
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 leader 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.