The Arab tribal insurgency in Eastern Syria is an Arab insurgency against Syrian Democratic Forces in the Deir ez-Zor region.
Background.
Following the expulsion of the Islamic State from the Deir ez-Zor Governorate, the Syrian Democratic Forces occupied Arab territory and they expropriated houses which made them revolt.
Timeline.
2023.
On 27 August 2023, clashes broke out between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Arab tribes because they were "cells" of the Islamic State. The clashes they launched themselves from the Euphrates to occupy Diban.
2024.
On 8 August 2024, the US Air Force bombed Arab areas, while the Arab Tribal and Clan Forces commanded by Ibrahim al-Hifl launched attacks on Diban, Abu Hardub and Gharanij from the government locality.
2025.
On 20 January 2025, gunmen reportedly affiliated with al-Hifl crossed the Euphrates River and launched an attack on SDF checkpoints and headquarters in the towns of Diban and Abu Hamam using rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). This assault resulted in injuries to three SDF fighters, who were later transported to Omar Military Hospital for medical treatment.tribal faction led by Sheikh Ibrahim al Hafl advocated for an Arab uprising against the SDF. In retaliation, the SDF confronted the tribal fighters with fighters from Al-Hasakah to Deir ez-Zor. By the end of the following day, the Syrian Democratic Forces had all positions. The subsequent week saw Asayish initiate a security operation that led to multiple arrests.