Growing tensions in Deir Ezzor countryside | SDF storms crossing on Euphrates River, residents protest against detention of civilian

Deir Ezzor province: SOHR activists have reported that SDF military forces have stormed a smuggle crossing on Euphrates River’s banks in Zughair Jazira town in western Deir Ezzor, while smugglers were attempting to transfer commodities to Syrian regime-held areas on the opposite bank of river. During the raid, SDF forces have arrested a civilian who was shepherding his sheep near the crossing, while the smugglers had fled to an unknown destination.

Meanwhile, populations in Zughair Jazira village staged protests against the SDF for arresting the shepherd, and demanded military authorities to release him. However, tensions remained active in the area.

On the other hand, members of al-Aleyat checkpoint of the SDF have assaulted a volunteer with a humanitarian organization and hammered his head in the western Deir Ezzor countryside. The reasons behind the assault remained unknown.

On October 28, SOHR activists reported the death of one and wounding of another, all working in smuggling goods to the regime-held areas, via Euphrates River in Za’ater village in west Deir Ezzor countryside by members of Autonomous Defense forces that are affiliated to the SDF.

According to SOHR sources, members of the Autonomous Defense stabbed one of the smugglers and shoot another while they were staying at the bank of Euphrates River in Zaghera Island and both had been transferred to hospitals in al-Raqqa city, but one died as sustained severs wounds.