Syrian civilians 'executed' by SDF in Deir az-Zour clashes

Civilians have been "executed" in recent clashes between US-backed Kurdish-led fighters and Arab tribal groups in the eastern Syrian province of Deir az-Zour, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported on Wednesday.

Local sources told The New Arab's Arabic-language sister site that a Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) patrol consisting of 10 Humvees stormed the town of Daman on Wednesday morning.

The unnamed sources also claimed that the Kurdish-led group fired indiscriminately and killed four civilians in their homes, including a father and a son.

SDF fighters also reportedly opened fire on worshippers as they left a mosque after noon prayers in the town of al-Jardhi Al-Sharqi. Two people were killed and 12 others wounded.

The New Arab could not verify the claims but have approached the SDF for comment.

After the alleged attack, local residents blocked roads and demanded the expulsion of SDF fighters.

Two civilians were reportedly killed in the village of Atala when SDF fighters opened fire on a car, while a child was also killed by SDF fire amid clashes.

The New Arab contacted the SDF for comment on the reports but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

The recent clashes broke out on Monday when SDF forces detained the commander and several members of the Deir az-Zour Military Council (DMC) - a group affiliated with the US-backed group - during a meeting in the city of Hassakeh.

The clashes pitted SDF members against the militia and some regional Arab tribesmen who had sided with the DMC.

The latest round of clashes have raised concerns of more divisions among the SDF and its allies in eastern Syria, where IS had once controlled large swaths of territory and where the militants still stage occasional attacks.