Breaking news/ US Launches Defensive Strike in Syria's Deir Ezzor Province
The US military executed a defensive strike in Syria's Deir Ezzor province, responding to an unspecified threat. This action coincided with clashes between the Syrian army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), who aim to reclaim territory and facilitate resettlement for displaced people. Regional tensions persist among various factions.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
DAMASCUS, SYRIA - The US military has carried out a defensive strike in Syria's Deir Ezzor province, a US official confirmed on Tuesday. The strike, which was described as a single attack, was launched in response to an unspecified threat, but the official emphasized that it was not related to the current advances of opposition forces in the country.
US Military Presence in Deir Ezzor
A small number of US troops are stationed at a gas field in Deir Ezzor, and occasional attacks have been launched in the region, including against Iranian-backed forces. The area is also home to ISIS militants, who have been engaged in combat with US forces since 2014.
Syrian Army Responds to SDF Attack
Meanwhile, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that Syrian army units and allied forces were responding to an attack launched by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the northern countryside of Deir Ezzor province.
SDF: A Kurdish-Led Alliance
The SDF is a Kurdish-led alliance that has worked with the US-led coalition to combat ISIS in northern and eastern Syria. The group, which is dominated by the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), controls approximately a quarter of Syria's territory, including oil fields and areas where around 900 US troops are stationed.
Clashes Between SDF and Syrian Army
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Kurdish militants from the SDF had launched an attack on seven villages in areas controlled by the Syrian army in Deir Ezzor province. The Observatory stated that the SDF's goal was to capture an area of approximately 100 square kilometers, including seven villages, in order to facilitate the return of around 70,000 displaced people to the region.
Timeline of Events
Date
Event
2014
US launches military campaign against ISIS in Syria
[Recent]
SDF launches attack on Syrian army positions in Deir Ezzor province
[Recent]
US carries out defensive strike in Deir Ezzor province
[Recent]
Syrian army responds to SDF attack in Deir Ezzor province
Key Players
Entity
Description
US Military
US forces stationed in Syria, primarily in Deir Ezzor province
SDF
Kurdish-led alliance that has worked with the US-led coalition to combat ISIS
Syrian Army
Government forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad
ISIS
Militant group that has been engaged in combat with US and SDF forces since 2014
Iran
Supports Syrian government forces and has a military presence in the country
Analysis
The US defensive strike in Deir Ezzor province highlights the complex and volatile nature of the Syrian conflict. The SDF's attack on Syrian army positions and the US response underscore the ongoing tensions between the various parties involved in the conflict. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the US, SDF, and Syrian government will navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the region.
