Deadly Clashes and Abductions in Deir ez-Zor as Tensions Escalate Between SDF and Damascus
Armed groups attacked SDF forces in Deir ez-Zor, leaving 1 dead and abducting 6 (4 still missing). The assault coincided with government shelling across the Euphrates, sparking SDF search operations and border closures between rival zones.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Eastern Deir ez-Zor witnessed a sharp escalation after armed assailants in the town of Gharanij surrounded members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) inside a pharmacy they were visiting on an unofficial mission. The incident triggered intense clashes, leaving three attackers injured and one dead, while six SDF members were abducted. Two were later released, but four remain in captivity. The attackers also seized a military vehicle accompanying the SDF personnel.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the assault coincided with mortar shelling from the western bank of the Euphrates River, in areas controlled by the Syrian government, targeting SDF positions.
In response, the SDF initiated a wide-scale combing operation to locate the abducted members, warning that it may storm the area if they are not freed. Accusations were directed at the commander of the 86th Brigade, known as Hatem Abu Shaqra, alleging that the assailants operated under his orders. The claims are linked to reports that he had been “provoking” the SDF and facilitating the entry of Iranian operatives and Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) fighters into the area — actions which, according to sources, prompted U.S. officials to demand his departure from Deir ez-Zor.
Neither side has issued an official statement regarding the latest escalation.
In a separate development, SOHR sources reported that the Damascus government abruptly shut down two key commercial crossings: the Deir Hafer crossing in eastern Aleppo countryside and the Salamiya crossing, also known as the “Tabqa” crossing. This move halted all commercial truck movement and fuel transportation between SDF-controlled areas and government-held territories.
The closures applied only to commercial traffic, with civilian passage still permitted. The decision sparked concern and uncertainty over the government’s motives and future plans for these vital routes.
SOHR documented heightened military activity on the contact lines between Turkish-backed factions under the Syrian Ministry of Defense and the SDF. Reinforcements have been deployed to areas stretching from Deir Hafer in eastern Aleppo to the town of Aqirash in eastern Raqqa.
Factions known as “Sultan Suleiman Shah” (Al-Amshat) and “Al-Hamza Division” (Al-Hamzat) sent additional forces, including armored vehicles and medium-to-heavy weapons, along the road connecting the two provinces.
Amid this military buildup, SDF forces have raised their alert levels and reinforced positions along the contact lines, anticipating possible sudden developments. The mounting tension has raised fears of a renewed military confrontation.
SOHR sources denied media claims that the United States had warned the SDF the “International Coalition” might not protect it if Damascus launched a military offensive, unless it adhered to the March 10 agreement. According to the sources, such reports were merely pressure tactics aimed at forcing Damascus to choose between integrating the SDF into its ranks or facing its collapse, adding that the Syrian government’s survival hinges on such integration.
Earlier reports by Middle East Eye and other outlets, citing regional and security sources, alleged preparations for a Syrian military operation against the SDF with indirect Turkish support, alongside U.S. warnings tied to the March 10 agreement. These claims were categorically dismissed by North Press and SOHR sources.
SDF Source to North Press: No U.S. Pressure, Only New Joint Tasks
Separately, an SDF source told North Press on Wednesday evening that there was no U.S. pressure on the SDF, but rather new joint tasks under discussion.
According to the source, “The claims in the Middle East Eye report are fabricated, repetitive, and do not reflect reality. They aim to mislead public opinion.”
The source stressed that “there is no U.S. pressure on the SDF; on the contrary, there are new missions being discussed jointly.”
He added, “Washington affirms the importance of the SDF’s presence within the Syrian army, noting that without it, the situation would be catastrophic for the government.”
The source concluded, “We reaffirm our commitment to dialogue and value the role of allies and international mediators in seeking a final agreement with Damascus.”
