Syrian tribes declare general mobilization against SDF forces

Tensions have escalated between a number of Syrian tribes and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in recent hours, with successive statements declaring a general mobilization, in line with Sheikh Faraj al-Hamoud al-Salama's call to fight the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants and their allied local fighters.

Sulaiman al-Mashi, a representative of the al-Boubna tribe, confirmed that the tribe had declared a general and permanent mobilization until an official statement was issued canceling it, stressing that "the enemies have not yet sheathed their swords."

The al-Bujaber tribe, led by Abu al-Mu'tasim, also joined the movement, declaring the overcoming of tribal differences and prioritizing the homeland and land over all considerations. They called for broad participation in the mobilization "to achieve freedom, justice, and the protection of rights."

In the "Peace Spring" area, members of the al-Bu Shaaban tribes (al-Bu Dhahir, al-Walda, al-Huwaywat, al-Afadla, al-Amirat, and al-Ja'abat) declared a general mobilization against the SDF, affirming their commitment to continuing this mobilization until their goals are achieved.

Consecutive data reveals the outlines of an armed confrontation between the tribes and the SDF.

Arab-majority Deir Ezzor province, a resource-rich region which borders Iraq, is bisected by the Euphrates river and is home to dozens of local tribal communities, some of whose fighters joined the SDF in its battle against IS.

Swathes of north and northeast Syria are controlled by a Kurdish-led administration whose de facto army, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), spearheaded the fight that helped defeat ISIS in Syria in 2019.

Despite last March's agreement between the SDF and the Damascus government, Kurdish forces remain evasive, attempting to circumvent integration into the new Syrian army. Kurdish fears are growing with the growing rapprochement between Washington and Damascus, and President Ahmed al-Sharaa's full support for extending state sovereignty across all Syrian territory.

Zaman Al-Wasl