DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – Eastern Syria’s Deir ez-Zor Governorate is witnessing a surge in deadly clan clashes, exacerbating local insecurity and heightening residents’ fears. Despite multiple security interventions, tribal conflicts continue to claim lives and disrupt daily life, leaving civilians, particularly women and children, trapped in an atmosphere of terror.
Living amid gunfire
Umm Ali, a mother of two from the town of Gharanij, south of Deir ez-Zor city, describes to North Press the harrowing reality her family endures: “Our town is in a dire state. We hear gunfire almost daily due to tribal disputes. Children under ten live in constant fear and can no longer play outside. At the sound of gunfire, they instinctively run to hide.”
The deteriorating security situation has impacted education. “We don’t feel safe anymore. Schools are either unsafe or closed due to ongoing clashes,” Umm Ali explains. “Many neighbors have lost their lives, leaving deep psychological scars on all of us.”
Even as security patrols are visible in the streets, residents feel the situation is spiraling out of control. “We see security forces around, but they can’t contain the violence. Things seem to get worse every day,” she adds.
Despair among youth
Hussein Abdul Razzaq, from the city of Hajin, east of Deir ez-Zor, says, “Clan clashes are escalating rapidly. We, the youth, feel trapped, anxious, and hopeless. Many friends have fled the town seeking safety. We never know when the next fight will break out.”
Efforts to organize peace awareness initiatives have faltered. “People are desperate and reluctant to participate,” Hussein adds. “We need support from local and international organizations to motivate residents to work together.”
“I lost many friends to this violence. I live in constant fear; it’s affecting my studies and future aspirations. How can I plan for tomorrow when death surrounds me?”
A humanitarian crisis
Civil activist Ibrahim Hassan underscores the urgent need for intervention saying that the situation “is worsening daily. Clashes destroy families and take lives. Women suffer the loss of their breadwinners, while children grow up in persistent fear.”
Despite working with civil society groups to provide psychological support and peace workshops, Hassan highlights significant challenges, “Reaching all affected groups is difficult due to insecurity. Some residents are resistant to dialogue.”
He calls for the establishment of safe education centers and robust action by local authorities to pressure warring factions into ceasefires. “Community development initiatives promoting dialogue and reconciliation among tribes are crucial,” Hassan stresses.
Alarming medical toll
Dr. Mishari al-Hazoum, head of the public hospital in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, reports a sharp rise in casualties. “Since the start of the year, we’ve treated 113 gunshot victims. 18 have died, while others suffer from paralysis or amputations. Most victims are women and children uninvolved in the clashes.”
Dr. Hazoum appeals for immediate humanitarian and medical aid: “We need urgent support with medical supplies and training for emergency teams. Saving lives and ensuring the safety of civilians, especially women and children, must be a priority.”
Residents urge tribal and religious leaders, alongside security forces, to strengthen efforts toward peace. “We need protection and support,” one resident pleads.
As Deir ez-Zor’s civilians grapple with violence, uncertainty, and grief, their voices call for immediate, coordinated intervention to halt the bloodshed and restore stability.