Heavy Clashes Between US Proxy Militia, Arab Tribes In Eastern Syria
Clashes between the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Arab tribesmen in Deir Ezzor governorate left at least 25 dead and more than a dozen wounded as of 30 August, raising tensions between the Kurdish proxy militia and Syrian locals to the highest point in years.
The fighting was reportedly sparked by the detention of Ahmed Khbeil, better known as Abu Khawla, in Hasakah governorate. Khawla leads the SDF-affiliated Deir Ezzor Military Council (DEMC).
SDF forces took him on Sunday after being invited to a meeting in Hasakah.
Local tribes issued a statement following Khawla's detention for Arab fighters within the SDF to defect and join the fight against the US occupation of northeast Syria.