The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

Deir Ezzor | Fire breaks following disputes over smuggling fuels causing armed clashes between 4th Division and Iranian militias

Deir Ezzor province: SOHR activists have reported that clashes with machineguns erupted between the security forces of the 4th Division on one hand and members of Iranian militias who work in smuggling on the other hand, following disputes over smuggling fuels from SDF-held areas to regime-held areas near Al-Hasiniyah town in Deir Ezzor city. However, no casualties have been reported yet.

The checkpoints of the 4th Division, which are spread in different areas of Syria, impose large ransoms to allow the transportation of goods and smuggling operations between different areas, in addition to borders with the Lebanese Republic.

On November 18, SOHR sources reported that clashes erupted between a group of the 4thDivision and members of the National Defence Forces in Al-Asharah city in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor. The clashes, which followed disagreements over drug trafficking, left several members on both sides injured.

On November 17, SOHR activists reported that National Defence members threw hand grenades at headquarters of the Iranian “Revolutionary Guards” militias in Al-Omal neighbourhood in Deir Ezzor city, causing material damages.

Meanwhile, armed clashes erupted between members of the National Army on one hand and Iranian “Revolutionary Guards” on the other hand, due to disputes over stealing iron from ruined houses in Al-Hamidiyah neighbourhood in Deir Ezzor.