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SDF Opens Investigation After a Young Man's Death in Deir Ezzor Amid Calls for General Mobilization
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) expressed their regret over the death of the young man Majd Ramadan Al-Henshel in Al-Kisra town in western Deir Ezzor countryside, describing the incident as a "personal act" carried out by elements affiliated with a patrol of the "Deir Ezzor Military Council." They confirmed that an urgent investigation has been launched into the incident, and that those involved have been detained pending referral to the competent judicial authorities, emphasizing that accountability will be carried out according to military laws and regulations without exception.
The SDF also stressed that this incident "does not reflect their approach or values," describing what happened as an "unacceptable personal act that harms the message of the forces and affects their reputation." They reaffirmed their commitment to protecting civilians and preserving their dignity, considering this a "firm principle and a national trust" expressed throughout their years of struggle against the Islamic State.
The SDF extended their deepest condolences to the young man's family, noting that “the wisdom of the family and local residents contributed to maintaining civil peace” in the area. They concluded their statement by asserting that justice will take its course, “out of respect for the rights of the deceased and their family, and to maintain mutual trust between the forces and the local residents.”
Regarding the details of the incident, local sources told Enab Baladi that it began when Majd Ramadan Al-Henshel attempted, with his vehicle (a Toyota Veracruz), to overtake two vehicles belonging to the SDF in Al-Kisra. Subsequently, a leader in the SDF fired a shot into the young man’s head, causing his car to collide with an electrical pole. The leader then approached the scene and fired a second shot into the young man’s head, resulting in his death.
Following this, the area experienced significant tension, with tribes gathering and calling for revenge against the SDF. Clashes erupted between the town residents and the "Commando" forces stationed there, as locals attacked SDF-affiliated sites. The confrontations resulted in injuries: one tribal member and two SDF personnel were wounded and transferred to hospitals in Raqqa for treatment.
The SDF also besieged Al-Kisra town, deploying military reinforcements to the frontlines with areas controlled by the Syrian government across the Euphrates River. These tensions are among the highest in recent times between the forces and tribal residents, amid rising clashes and calls for general mobilization in regions with tribal influence. Calls for jihad via mosque loudspeakers intensified, especially following previous incidents of killings and attacks against tribal members.
In a similar context, on September 11, the Shueitat tribe called for a general mobilization against the SDF after accusing the latter of killing a young man and withholding his body in Ghranij village in eastern Deir Ezzor. According to Enab Baladi’s correspondent, the SDF publicly executed the young man Hakim Al-Raif after he refused to stop at a checkpoint, and his body was hidden from his family. Rumors also circulated about calls for general mobilization through loudspeaker announcements in the area.
