US-Backed Deir ez-Zor Military Council Announces Entry into City in Eastern Syria
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – The Deir ez-Zor Military Council, affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), announced on Friday its entry into Deir ez-Zor city and areas west of the Euphrates River.
This development follows the withdrawal of Syrian government forces earlier in the day, marking a critical shift in control amid increasing instability in the region.
Statement from Deir ez-Zor Military Council
In an official statement, the council addressed the urgency of their actions.
“The developments in our homeland, Syria, pose a significant threat to the safety of our people and the stability of our region in Deir ez-Zor,” the statement read.
The council specifically pointed to the resurgence of Turkish-backed factions and ISIS operatives in the Deir ez-Zor desert as a major concern, stating, “Based on these threats and to ensure the protection of our people, our fighters from the Deir ez-Zor Military Council have deployed in the city and west of the Euphrates.”
Government Forces Withdraw from Key Areas
Earlier today, Syrian government forces vacated positions in Deir ez-Zor city and west of the Euphrates under growing military pressure following a week-long offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Turkish-backed factions.
This retreat has left a power vacuum in strategic areas, prompting fears of renewed clashes and territorial competition among various armed groups operating in the region.
SDF Aims to Stabilize Amid Escalating Chaos
The council emphasized that its deployment aims to prevent potential threats to the region and its population, stating that the move was “necessary to maintain security and protect our forces and the local population from surrounding dangers.”
This decision is consistent with the SDF’s broader strategy of countering threats from ISIS and Turkish-backed groups, which have been escalating their activities in eastern Syria.
A Pivotal Moment for Deir ez-Zor
The entry of the Deir ez-Zor Military Council into the city represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing Syrian conflict, particularly as territorial control shifts rapidly across the country.
The SDF’s move westward also highlights the potential for heightened tensions with other factions, including those aligned with Turkey and Iranian-backed militias.
Broader Implications
This development underscores the fragility of the security situation in Syria, where ongoing conflicts have destabilized vast regions. The SDF’s proactive measures reflect its determination to fill the vacuum left by government forces and safeguard its territories from hostile actors.
As the situation unfolds, the council’s deployment could serve as a stabilizing factor, but it also carries the risk of drawing the SDF into broader confrontations in an increasingly volatile environment.