Nineteen militants backed by the Syrian government have been killed in clashes in Deir ez-Zor (Dêrezor) following an attack on areas held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Deir ez-Zor is a region in eastern Syria affected by last month’s unrest caused by rebellious Arab tribes.
According to the statement released by the SDF Media Centre, mercenaries backed by the Syrian regime launched an offensive using heavy artillery, mortars and rocket-propelled grenades on villages on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River. The attack resulted in significant casualties, including civilians.
The attack began on Sunday at 5am local time, and came from three different directions in areas on the western bank of the Euphrates held by the Syrian regime.
SDF forces engaged with the mercenaries as they attempted to infiltrate the area, resulting in fierce clashes and the elimination of 19 Syrian-backed fighters. A ship carrying mercenaries was also destroyed and 20 mercenaries were injured, including Marwan Al-Fadel, a prominent figure in the Assoud al-Sharkiya militia, backed by the Syrian regime.
Three SDF fighters were killed in clashes with the mercenaries.
The statement also mentioned that a mortar shell fired from the western bank of the Euphrates hit a civilian house, killing four civilians and injuring ten others.
