SDF sends reinforcements towards Deir Az-Zour province amid clashes with Arab tribes

Kurdish-led forces in Syria sent reinforcements towards Deir Az-Zour province on Saturday, likely in preparation for carry a large-scale military operation to regain lost territory.

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have lost ground to fighters from the Deir Az-Zour Military Council (DMC) – one of the umbrella organisation's constituent militia groups – and Arab tribes.

Activist Wessam Al-Akidi told The New Arab's Arabic sister service Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that the SDF sent heavy weapons as part of two military convoys from Hasakah province towards Deir Az-Zour province.

He said the SDF had begun gathering its forces in the city of Al-Busayrah and the outskirts of the town of Al-Dahla.

Farhad Shami from the SDF's media office posted on Facebook that the group's forces will begin with "decisiveness and firmness", saying that it was the "last chance" for what he called "the mercenaries".

Journalist Ahed Salibi told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed the SDF had begun mobilising its forces in Deir Az-Zour province's eastern countryside, saying it would likely soon begin an operation to recover its lost territory.

He said the SDF was down to its final chance, adding: "If it fails to regain control, it will not be able to enter the eastern countryside of Deir Az-Zour again, after dozens of its members were killed, wounded and captured during the past seven days."

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Saturday that the SDF had taken the town of Al-Sabhah after launching a combing operation on Friday evening.

It said the Kurdish-led organisation had recovered parts of Al-Busayrah.

Fierce battles between pitting the SDF against the DMC and fighters from Arab tribes have led to dozens of deaths and injuries on both sides, with several civilians also killed.

The fighting was sparked by the SDF detaining the commander and several members of the DMC on Sunday.