SDF release 9 Arab detainees as tribes meet in troubled Deir ez-Zor

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Thursday released nine detainees at the request of Arab tribe leaders from restive Deir ez-Zor province where relations between locals and the Kurdish-led forces are tense. 

The nine men who were returned to their families are from areas that have seen recent unrest: including al-Shuhail and Ziban towns. They were considered eligible for release because their “hands were not stained with Syrian blood,” according to Sawadi al-Abdullah, a leader in the al-Bomsarra clan.

Violent protests broke out in eastern Deir ez-Zor earlier this month after an Arab tribal leader, Sheikh Mutsher Hamud Jeidan al-Hifl, was assassinated by unknown gunmen, the latest in a spate of targeted killings. Two members of the SDF were killed by “saboteurs” who had infiltrated the demonstrations, according to a commander of the force.

Tensions are high between the Arab majority and Kurds who lead the armed forces and the civilian administration in northeastern Syria. Power sharing between the two is “imbalanced,” the Pentagon said in a recent report, with Kurds controlling the decision-making.

The Islamic State group (ISIS) is active in the area, carrying out destabilizing attacks and assassinations. The group’s militants are believed to be fomenting unrest between Kurds and Arabs. Deir ez-Zor province also borders regime-held areas.

After meeting the SDF and American representatives, Arab tribal leaders agreed to call off protests for a month to give security forces time to find the Sheikh’s killers. 

The clans of the Agaidat tribe gathered for another meeting on Thursday to discuss recent events. About 3,000 leaders were joined by representatives of the US-led Coalition against ISIS.

They demanded an investigation into killings of local leaders and asked for more support for the SDF-backed Deir ez-Zor Military Council. 

“We call for support for the Military Council, financially and morally… in order to maintain security and stability,” read a statement issued after the meeting.

“We call on the Global Coalition to meet our demands, because they are responsible for the region, in order to bring security and stability to our areas,” the tribal leaders added. 

The Coalition spokesperson took to Twitter on Thursday to confirm support for the province, which is home to much of Syria’s oil. 

"ISIS can carry out attacks and assassinations, but cannot control land. The Coalition is committed to the long-term stability of Deir ez-Zor and respects the sacrifices made by its people against the evils of ISIS. We will work hand-in-hand to build a prosperous future of peace and security for the region," tweeted Col. Myles Caggins.

The SDF has thousands of suspected Islamic State (ISIS) fighters in custody, including foreigners. It has released hundreds of locals who are not implicated in killings of SDF members. The charges against the nine men released on Thursday were not disclosed.