Syria
Hussam Alawi, a spokesperson for the clans and tribe of Deir ez-Zor, speaking to Rudaw on December 11, 2024. Photo: Screengrab/Rudaw
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A spokesperson for the clans and tribes of the Syrian eastern province of Deir ez-Zor on Wednesday urged the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to engage in negotiations and avoid confrontation in Syrian Arab majority areas amid claims by Syrian rebels of capturing Deir ez-Zor city.
Hussam Alawi told Rudaw that Deir ez-Zor, Hasaka, and Raqqa are Arab-majority areas. He warned "all Kurdish officials against clashing" and called for "entering into negotiations" instead.
He accused the SDF of heavy-handed actions, including suppressing protests in Deir ez-Zor, which he claims resulted in civilian deaths.
SDF on Tuesday denied claims that it tortured civilians, adding that some opposition media outlets have published “fabricated scenes” purportedly depicting their forces hurting people.
Syrian rebels led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) on Wednesday claimed control of the oil-rich eastern city of Deir ez-Zor from the SDF, a claim that the Kurdish-led force has not confirmed.
Alawi emphasized the need for dialogue to prevent bloodshed, particularly in Hasaka, where he foresees potential conflict escalation.
He urged Kurdish leaders, particularly SDF chief Mazloum Abdi, to "directly negotiate with Damascus,” insisting that Kurds and Arabs can coexist.
Alawi accused the SDF of excluding Arab fighters and communities from decision-making and alleged mistreatment of those attempting to return to their homes in SDF-held areas.
“When a fighter who had gone out to overthrow the regime wants to return [to SDF-controlled areas], why is he asked for a returnee card… and is he considered an outlaw and an ISIS member?” he asked.
Syria’s civil war dramatically reignited late last month when a coalition of rebels led by the HTS launched a blistering offensive against the Syrian army, seizing the northern cities of Aleppo, Hama, and Homs, and culminating their victory by capturing the capital Damascus as rebels said Assad fled the country, ending over five decades of Baathist rule.
As the developments unfolded, Kurds greatly expanded the territory under their control to cover most of oil-rich Deir ez-Zor province in the east after Syrian government forces and their pro-Iran allies withdrew to redeploy in other areas where the regime fought rebels.
On Saturday, SDF’s Abdi issued a general amnesty in newly-controlled areas of Deir ez-Zor.
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