SDF reveals place of Iranian-backed figure behind Deir ez-Zor clashes
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said on Tuesday the Syrian government has placed Ibrahim al-Hefl under house arrest in Damascus to prevent him from surrendering to SDF forces.
Al-Hefl, the sheikh of the al-Uqaydat tribe, became known during the recent clashes in Deir ez-Zor, where he worked to mobilize militants and called to fight against the SDF. The fate of al-Hefl remained uncertain after the SDF gained control over the entire region. Meanwhile, reports suggested that he moved to the western bank of the Euphrates River.
Farhad Shami, Head of SDF’s Media Center, said during an interview with Rojava, the official TV channel of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), that al-Hefl is “under house arrest and is currently in the village of Yafour in Damascus.”
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.
Areas east of the Euphrates River in Deir ez-Zor Governorate are held by the SDF, while the government forces and Iranian-backed militias control the city of Deir ez-Zor on the western bank of the River.
Shami pointed out al-Hefl was in contact with the SDF’s Public Relations Office during the clashes in Deir ez-Zor, and “expressed his desire to surrender. However, the Syrian government intervened half an hour later and renewed its support for him to prevent him from doing so.”