In eastern Syria, where hundreds of U.S. troops are stationed, a week of violent clashes between rival U.S.-backed militias has exposed fractures within the coalition. That has effectively contained the defeated Islamic State group (ISIS) for years. This unrest raises the spectre of a potential ISIS resurgence.
Moreover, the clashes have brought to the surface mounting tensions between the Kurdish-majority populace of the region and the predominantly Arab population. Creating an opening for Syrian President Bashar Assad, as well as his allies Russia and Iran. They seek to gain influence in this oil-rich territory, with a goal to displace U.S. troops and restore Damascus’ authority in Syria.
Ethnic and Political Tensions Surface
Eastern Syria has largely escaped global attention, especially in the United States. Nevertheless, the U.S. has maintained around 900 troops in the region. Alongside an unspecified number of contractors, since the defeat of ISIS in 2019. These troops, initially deployed eight years ago, work alongside the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). A coalition of militias predominantly composed of Kurdish fighters.
Simultaneously, a U.S.-backed Kurdish-led administration has governed parts of northern Syria and the majority of territory east of the Euphrates River, including crucial oil fields. Across the river on the western bank, government forces and Iranian-backed militias are stationed. Although the region’s Arab population holds roles within both the SDF and the administration. There has long been resentment toward Kurdish control.
The ongoing clashes involve the Syrian Democratic Forces and an affiliated faction, the Arab-led Deir el-Zour Military Council. The trigger for this conflict was the August 27 arrest of the council’s commander, Ahmad Khbeil, also known as Abu Khawla, by the SDF. Khbeil faced accusations of criminal activity, corruption, and establishing contacts with the Damascus government and Iranian-backed militias.
Allegations of External Involvement
Subsequently, hostilities erupted between the SDF and Khbeil’s loyalists, who were joined by hundreds of Arab tribesmen. These battles expanded, leading to tribesmen gaining control of several villages outside Deir el-Zour city. The conflict has resulted in at least 90 fatalities and numerous injuries.
Kurdish leaders allege that Iranian-backed militias and the Syrian government played a role in inciting the violence. Farhad Shami, spokesperson for the SDF, dismissed claims of local Arab fighters’ involvement in the clashes and instead pointed to fighters loyal to Damascus who crossed the river.
The situation in eastern Syria is precarious, with the potential for further instability and the looming risk of ISIS exploiting the chaos to reemerge. It also underscores the challenges of maintaining a unified front among the various groups and interests involved in the region’s complex geopolitical landscape.
