One Killed, Woman Injured in Armed Family Dispute in Eastern Syria’s Deir ez-Zor
By Kardo Roj
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – A young man was killed and a woman seriously injured on Tuesday following an armed clash between two families in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, amid rising tensions and a growing presence of weapons in the region.
Local sources told North Press that the incident occurred in the city of al-Mayadin, 40 kilometers east of Deir ez-Zor, when a personal dispute over a financial disagreement escalated into a violent confrontation between relatives. The conflict quickly drew in extended family members and led to the use of automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), the source added.
The deceased was identified as Hatem al-Dhiab, while his sister was critically wounded during the exchange of fire. Units from the local General Security Forces reportedly arrived at the scene and managed to contain the situation, though tensions remain high.
The latest incident comes only hours after another deadly attack in the nearby town of al-Suwai’ya, where a man and his one-and-a-half-year-old daughter were killed when unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire on their vehicle in broad daylight. The victims were identified as Maysar al-Rahil and his infant daughter.
The back-to-back acts of violence have contributed to growing concern among residents in eastern Deir ez-Zor, particularly in areas outside the direct control of structured governance bodies. Since the fall of the former Syrian regime in December 2024, such incidents have become more frequent, with tribal tensions, economic hardship, and the proliferation of weapons fueling instability.
Despite ongoing efforts by security institutions, including the General Security Forces operating under the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), to de-escalate violence and stabilize the area, eastern Deir ez-Zor remains volatile. Many residents have called on authorities to tighten control over arms circulation and prevent future bloodshed.
The region, historically fragmented and subjected to the influence of various armed actors, continues to face challenges in the absence of unified local governance. However, security teams have been deploying patrols and intervening in conflicts with the aim of restoring order and safeguarding civilians.