Incitement against SDF security operation leads to tensions

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in cooperation with the international anti-IS coalition, are proceeding with “Operation Security Reinforcement” in Deir ez-Zor. According to the SDF statement, the main objective of the operation is to detect and dismantle Islamist terrorist cells in order to prevent possible attacks. It also aims to crack down on criminal activities and fraud against the population. The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) said on Wednesday that the SDF was confronted with incitement plans related to the security operation in Deir ez-Zor that aim to “set the population against each other and disrupt the course of the military operation and stabilization efforts”.

Following the launch of the operation, clashes broke out between the SDF and armed groups in Deir ez-Zor last Monday. AANES called on the tribes of Deir ez-Zor to support the SDF and not to be drawn into intrigues that serve the enemies of the region. The operation aims to “maintain security and stability and protect the population”, the statement said.

Dismissal of commander

The SDF further announced that the commander of the Deir ez-Zor Military Council, Ahmed Al-Khubail, has been dismissed for several identified crimes and violations. The decision was taken after a period of observation and investigation into numerous reports and complaints from the local population, and on the basis of an arrest warrant issued by the North-East Syria Prosecutor’s Office. Four other members of the military council were also removed from their positions for their direct involvement.

The SDF found Al-Khubail guilty of several offenses: “There are several offenses such as communicating and coordinating with external entities hostile to the revolution, committing crimes and engaging in drug trafficking, ignoring the security situation, his negative role in promoting the activities of IS cells, and exploiting his position for personal and family interests.” The Media Center of the Syrian Democratic Forces announced on Wednesday that 5 fighters from the Northern Democratic Forces, which is part of the SDF, were killed while taking part in the operation.

Unrest and vandalism

Meanwhile, the military council of Hajin, which is also part of the SDF, imposed a curfew on the eastern outskirts of Deir ez-Zor on Wednesday. Hajin was the last ISIS enclave in eastern Syria and was liberated by the SDF in spring 2019. Hajin’s military council said the curfew was imposed due to unrest and vandalism and aimed at the success of the SDF’s security operation.

In response to the tensions, the Syrian Notables called on the people of the region to support the ” Security Reinforcement Operation” launched by the Syrian Democratic Forces and not to tolerate the outlaws who are trying to destabilize the region.