Syrian government forces and pro-regime militia group Difa Watanî launched an offensive on the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor (Dêrazor), on 7 August, leading to fierce clashes with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), local sources reported. Two civilians were killed and at least five others injured, the SDF Press Centre said.
The regime forces were pushed back into Damascus-controlled territory after four hours of fighting, the SDF regional command reported. During this fighting, eight members of the regime forces were killed and 16 wounded.
The Syrian army launched the attack in the early hours of Wednesday on the order of Syrian General Intelligence Directorate Head Husam Loqa. Militants attempted to infiltrate part of Deir ez-Zor under the control of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) using armoured personnel carriers. Intense fighting ensued with SDF’s local military council, responsible for security in Deir ez-Zor, leading an effective defence.
Despite claims by pro-regime accounts on social media platform X that several areas in Deir ez-Zor had fallen to regime forces, the SDF said the attack had been fully repelled. The Deir ez-Zor Military Council said security measures had been taken in Abu Hamam, where clashes continued, and a curfew had been imposed with increased checkpoints in other towns.
The bombardment by regime forces caused residents to flee their homes, with many seeking refuge in the rural areas in northern Deir ez-Zor.
Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), the political wing of the SDF, denounced the Syrian government’s “criminal and brutal attacks” and held the Damascus authorities “fully responsible”.
The SDC also warned that the attacks will further erode the security situation and “strengthen the capabilities of the terrorist group ISIS, intensify its activities, and undermine efforts to combat terrorism”, calling on political parties in Syria to condemn the Damascus government.
