UN calls for an end to the fighting in Deir ez-Zor

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The UN human rights chief on Thursday called for de-escalation and dialogue in eastern Syria following recent fighting in Deir ez-Zor between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Arab tribes, stressing that the people of Syria cannot afford another “catastrophic dimension” to the conflict that has already affected millions.

A number of Arab tribes revolted against the SDF in late August, hours after the US-backed force arrested Ahmed Khbeil, commander of the SDF-linked Deir ez-Zor Military Council better known as Abu Khawla, accusing him of collaborating with the Syrian government, drug trafficking, and failing to curb an increase of Islamic State (ISIS) activities in the area. SDF on September 6 said that it had recaptured all areas from regime-backed tribesmen.

“We cannot afford to sit back and watch the country slide even deeper into an endless conflict, which has already scarred the lives of so many civilians,” read a statement from UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, warning that the signs of a further fragmentation to the conflict are “alarming.”

Turk also urged relevant authorities to prevent and address human rights violations by holding perpetrators accountable, emphasizing the significance of accountability in the achievement of “sustainable peace.”

The latest clashes in the Deir ez-Zor province have left at least 23 killed, dozens arrested by the SDF, and forced thousands to flee their homes, according to the UN.

Chair of the UN Syria Commission of Inquiry Paulo Pinheiro on Tuesday called on key actors in Syria to “cease attacks on civilians and respond to their dire needs.”

There is a history of tense relations between the Kurdish-led SDF and some Arab tribes in the province. Some anti-SDF groups have claimed that the Kurdish-led force is targeting Arabs, but the SDF has denied this. 

The Deir ez-Zor Military Council is responsible for the security in the SDF-held areas of the province and has played a key role in military operations against ISIS in Syria.