The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

Security campaign | Two SDF fighters killed in violent clashes with smugglers at river crossings in eastern Deir Ezzor

SOHR sources have reported violent clashes between a patrol of Syria Democratic Forces and smugglers at river crossings in Abu Hamam town in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor used for smuggling goods to regime-controlled areas. The clashes, which started at 02:00 am and lasted until this early morning, left two SDF fighters dead and their car burned down, while a smuggler was also killed. Meanwhile, the region is experiencing growing tension over the death of the smuggler. Moreover, SDF have brought in military reinforcement to the area.

 

It is worth noting that there are several crossings between regime-controlled areas and SDF-controlled areas along Euphrates river used for smuggling goods and fuel. SDF had carried out many security campaigns, targeting these river crossing with the aim of putting an end to smuggling operations.

 

On May 17, SOHR sources have reported that Syria Democratic Forces have launched a large-scale security campaign, targeting several river crossings in the SDF-controlled town of Al-Shuhayl in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor. The security forces targeted, with medium and heavy machineguns and shells, ferries and rafts  used for smuggling goods and fuel to regime-controlled areas on the opposite bank of Euphrates river with the aim of damaging them.