The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced a series of meetings held by its leader, Mazloum Abdi, with sheikhs in Deir Ezzor, and dignitaries from Arab tribes.
The meeting, which took place a few days ago and was announced by the SDF today, Sunday, May 5, through its official website, declared the tribal forum, without specifying a date for its holding.
During the meeting, Abdi admitted to what he described as “mistakes” made by his forces in pursuing members of the Islamic State organization.
Meanwhile, the SDF reported accusations from the dignitaries against the Syrian regime for playing destructive roles in the region.
Today’s announced meeting of Abdi did not deviate from the usual official statements of the SDF leaders, including the release of detainees and compensation for the affected parties, among other unresolved matters.
According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR), there are at least 4,704 people still detained or forcibly disappeared by the SDF.
The area had previously experienced violent battles between the SDF and Arab tribes in 2023.
Despite previous admissions by Abdi of negligence by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), the SDF’s political umbrella, in managing the area during a meeting with Reuters, and acknowledging “widespread” flaws in the inclusiveness of the local councils of various tribes, conditions have not changed.
The SDF, on November 29, 2023, held an extensive meeting that included representatives of the International Coalition to fight the Islamic State, sheikhs, and dignitaries of the Akidat tribe in Deir Ezzor. The meeting focused primarily on discussing the events in Deir Ezzor province, especially attempts to “stir up strife” between the different community factions using various labels and “sectarian slogans,” and decided to restructure the Deir Ezzor Military Council.
The region continues to witness sporadic clashes between the SDF and tribal groups accused of allegiance to the Syrian regime.
Targetings are recurrent between the two sides along the banks of the Euphrates River since the end of last year, while the SDF accuses the regime of supporting tribal groups that launch attacks against its forces on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River.
Despite the diverse economic resources in the region, including the concentrated Syrian oil production and fertile agricultural lands, living conditions for Syrians in the area are dire, like other conflict zones in the country.