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Deir Ezzor: SDF Launches Arrest and Search Campaigns
In recent hours, eastern Deir Ezzor countryside has witnessed a significant security escalation, including intense arrest and search campaigns targeting several homes, including the residence of a former leader in the Deir Ezzor Military Council who defected from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) months ago. He has been accused of burning his house. Additionally, some kidnapped SDF members have been released.
The events began on Wednesday when four SDF members were kidnapped while they were in the town of Ghranij receiving treatment outside their official duties. Armed men surrounded these members inside a pharmacy in the town, which led to clashes resulting in the killing of one attacker, the injury of three others, and the kidnapping of six SDF members.
Two of them have been released, while four remain abducted—today, they were freed, and their military vehicle was seized. This coincided with mortar shelling from the western bank of the Euphrates River targeting SDF positions within areas controlled by the Syrian government.
The following day, SDF forces carried out a broad search operation for the kidnapped individuals, threatening to storm the area if the prisoners are not released. Accusations were directed at Colonel Hatem Abu Shaqra, commander of the 86th Brigade, suggesting that armed groups linked to him are behind some movements, allegedly related to provocations against the SDF.
In a rapid response, the SDF transferred large-scale military reinforcements from Al-Omar Oil Field to various sites in eastern Deir Ezzor countryside, deploying more than 20 military vehicles at the Al-Majbal point in the Shaitat Desert, along with extensive security deployments in the Hajeen Square. Additionally, military checkpoints were established in Al-Busayra, conducting raid and arrest campaigns targeting homes and premises suspected of being used by elements accused of coordinating with ISIS cells, in an attempt to contain the ongoing security escalation.
