The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched a campaign of raids and arrests in the towns of Gharanij and Kashkiya in eastern Deir Ezzor early morning of August 16, local reporters said. The operation followed a siege imposed the previous night and targeted several neighborhoods, including Madan and Ghanash.
Witnesses reported that SDF fighters detained a number of young men and burned homes, sparking widespread panic among residents. Similar campaigns in Deir Ezzor have been documented in recent months. On July 2, the SDF carried out arrests in Gharanij’s Hamayel neighborhood, detaining about 20 people, including elderly residents.
Syrian government officials stressed that such actions contradict the agreement reached March 10 between President Ahmad al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi. That accord pledged to secure displaced citizens’ return, guarantee their protection, and integrate local institutions into the Syrian state.
Clashes with Army Units and Tribesmen
The raids came days after clashes erupted between Syrian army units and the SDF along the Euphrates River near Deir Ezzor city. A Syria TV correspondent reported the fighting included machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades, leaving several army personnel and local fishermen injured.
In parallel, Gharanij witnessed separate clashes between SDF fighters and armed members of local tribes. The confrontations followed the abduction of four SDF fighters, which the militia said were later released by its Deir Ezzor Military Council.
Escalation in Aleppo Countryside
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) reported the death of a Syrian soldier on August 12 during an SDF infiltration attempt on army positions in Tal Maaz, east of Aleppo. According to a statement released by SANA, army units returned fire and forced the attackers to withdraw.
The ministry noted this was the second such incident in recent weeks. On August 2, the army had repelled another SDF attempt near the village of Kayariya in Manbij, where SDF fighters launched rockets that struck civilian homes, wounding four soldiers and three residents.
Officials accused the SDF of intermittently blocking roads inside Aleppo city, including routes near the Layramoun roundabout, disrupting civilian movement. The ministry warned that continued violations could result in “new consequences.”
Uncertain Future for March Agreement
The March 10 deal between Damascus and the SDF affirmed Syria’s territorial unity and rejected partition. It included provisions to bring crossings, oil fields, and airports under state authority while ensuring political representation for local communities.
Despite that framework, the MoD said repeated SDF raids, shelling, and infiltration attempts run counter to the commitments. Analysts note the militia has also faced pressure from external actors, with Middle East Eye reporting that international coalition partners cautioned the SDF they may not be shielded from Turkish-backed operations—should the situation escalate.
The government maintains that adherence to the March agreement remains essential to restoring stability. Yet with escalating clashes, civilian grievances in Deir Ezzor and Aleppo, and the recent “Hasakah Conference” relations between Damascus and the SDF remain strained.
