Deputy Assistant Secretary Goldrich and Major General Joel Foyle, Commander of Operation Combined Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, convened a meeting in northeastern Syria with representatives from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Syrian Democratic Council, and tribal leaders from Deir-ez-Zor.
According to a statement posted on the U.S. Embassy in Damascus’ Facebook page, the meeting centred on several key priorities:
- Addressing the concerns and grievances of Deir-ez-Zor residents.
- Recognizing the risks associated with external interference in the region.
- Emphasizing the imperative of preventing civilian casualties and injuries.
- Urging an immediate de-escalation of violence.
Both Goldrich and Foyle underscored the vital nature of a robust partnership between the United States and the SDF in the ongoing fight against ISIS.
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On another note, the International Coalition’s Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve released a statement on Sunday expressing its full support for the SDF while alluding to the potential links between certain tribal memberss and “nefarious” actors.
The statement urged an end to the violence and advocated for a peaceful resolution in Deir-ez-Zor, emphasizing the immediate cessation of ongoing clashes in the governorate.
It was highlighted that the recent wave of violence had led to a destabilization of the region, resulting in tragic and unnecessary loss of life.
Clashes continue in Deir-ez-Zor
Clashes persist between tribal fighters and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the Deir-ez-Zor countryside. The tribal forces have made advances in SDF-controlled areas, coinciding with the SDF’s deployment of fresh military reinforcements to Raqqa and its surroundings.
On a recent Saturday, Arab tribal fighters successfully secured control of Syritel Hill in the village of Arab Hassan Kabir, along with the villages of Mahmoudiya and al-Muhsinali in the northern and eastern Manbij region, following intense battles with the SDF. Local sources report that Russian airstrikes targeted the area subsequently.
At dawn on the previous Friday, tribal forces executed an offensive against military positions belonging to both the Syrian regime and the SDF to the north of Manbij in the eastern Aleppo countryside. During this operation, they briefly held several sites and positions before withdrawing due to Russian air support provided to the SDF and heavy artillery bombardment by regime forces.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
