Tribal leader targeted in Tabqa: SOHR

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Two unidentified gunmen on Friday targeted the leader of the al-Bokhamis tribe in the al-Tabqa area, Raqqa province, reported the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).

The assault, targeting tribal leader Sheikh Thamer al-Hamshar, occurred in al-Wasat Street, south of Tabqa city, with the assailants on the run, reported the local Hawar News Agency (ANHA).

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the US-led coalition announced the territorial defeat of the Islamic State in March 2019.

However, regular sleeper cell attacks by the terrorist group persist in multiple liberated territories in what appears to be a deliberate campaign to destabilize the general area.

Moreover, groups affiliated with Turkey and the Syrian government have carried out attacks in areas under SDF control.

Sleeper cells have primarily targeted Arab tribal dignitaries and elders in northeast Syria that work with the SDF or the local Autonomous Administration of Northeast Syria (AANES). Tribal conflict in Raqqa and Deir al-Zour has also been a chronic issue.

Read More: Tribal member of local council in Deir al-Zor assassinated

Recently, the UK-based SOHR also reported there were tribal clashes in Raqqa between the al-Afadla and al-Tawadfa tribes on Feb. 4.