The United States military has issued a call to end the ongoing fighting between rival U.S.-backed groups in eastern Syria, warning that it could result in the resurgence of the Islamic State group. This conflict, which began on Monday, has led to the deaths of at least 40 people and numerous injuries in the oil-rich province of Deir el-Zour. The area is of strategic importance as it is where hundreds of U.S. troops have been stationed since 2015 to combat IS militants.
The clashes involve members of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in opposition to their former ally, the Arab-led Deir el-Zour Military Council, as well as regional Arab tribesmen who had previously supported the SDF. The Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, responsible for coordinating the anti-ISIS campaign, stated that they are closely monitoring the situation in northeast Syria with a focus on working together with the SDF to ensure the lasting defeat of IS, and to support regional security and stability.
Reports indicate that sporadic clashes continued in various parts of the area along the border with Iraq on Thursday, with both sides reportedly bringing in reinforcements.
In a rare display of dissent, a multi-party coalition criticized the Egyptian government. The image accompanying the news shows the extent of the conflict in the Middle East. [Image description: The U.S. military has called for an end to the fighting in eastern Syria, warning of a potential resurgence of the Islamic State group.]
In an update on Wednesday, the SDF and the council jointly announced the removal of Ahmad Khbeil, also known as Abu Khawla, from his position as the commander of the Deir el-Zour Military Council. Khbeil, along with four other militia leaders, was dismissed due to alleged involvement in various crimes and violations, including drug trafficking. His removal also stems from suspected coordination with external entities hostile to the revolution, assumed to refer to his connections with the Syrian government in Damascus, as well as its Iranian and Russian allies.
The recent clashes have raised concerns about further divisions among the SDF and its allies in eastern Syria. This region was previously under the control of ISIS and continues to be targeted by occasional attacks from the extremist group.
The U.S. military emphasizes that distractions from the crucial work of maintaining stability and preventing the resurgence of ISIS only serve to increase the risk of their return. Therefore, it is imperative that the violence in northeast Syria ceases, and efforts are redirected towards establishing peace and stability in the region, free from the threat of ISIS.
At present, there are at least 900 U.S. forces in eastern Syria, alongside an undisclosed number of contractors. They work in collaboration with the SDF to prevent the resurgence of ISIS.
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