SDF Deployed Alongside Syrian Army in Deir ez-Zor, Seeks Dialogue with Ankara

Syrian Democratic Forces deploy Along Key Highway,Signaling Shift in eastern Syria

Deir ez-Zor,Syria – In⁣ a ‍significant advancement,Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have deployed along a key highway in⁣ eastern Syria,marking ⁤a potential shift in the balance of power ‍in the region. The move, reportedly coordinated with the Syrian goverment and backed by Russian ‍and American⁣ support, aims to ⁢bolster⁣ efforts against ISIS⁤ in the vast desert expanse.

SDF convoys, supported by the ⁣Syrian army, crossed ⁢from the Salihiya crossing, strategically positioning themselves along the Damascus-Baghdad road, the dividing line between Homs and Deir ez-Zor governorates.This‍ deployment extends from the Panorama ‍roundabout at the entrance to Deir ez-Zor to⁢ Al-Haribshah on⁤ the administrative border with homs.

While the SDF has not entered the city ‍centers of Deir ez-Zor, ⁤Albuqamal, and al-Mayadeen, their⁢ presence along this crucial artery signals a tightening grip ⁣on the region.

“This deployment will act as common points,” a government source told Al-sharq, adding that “the Syrian Army will also deploy ⁢from ‍Panorama towards al-Mayadin, al-Bukamal, and the border desert of Iraq.”

the SDF’s eastward expansion follows a recent announcement‍ claiming control over Deir ez-Zor city and the main Albucamal border crossing with Iraq. This move comes amidst‍ a ⁤complex web of alliances and ⁤rivalries in the region.

A Russian-American Consensus?

Informed sources suggest that the SDF’s deployment is the⁤ result of a Russian-American consensus reached during a meeting⁤ in Salhiya,a town ‍on the administrative border separating Syrian-controlled‍ areas. The aim, according to⁢ these sources, is to counter ISIS resurgence and prevent the group from⁣ exploiting the ongoing instability⁢ in Syria.

The sources further indicate that US forces may relocate Free Syrian Army units from the al-Tanf ⁣area, near the Iraqi and Jordanian borders, ‍to join the SDF in the desert separating Deir ez-Zor ⁣and Homs. This move ‍would effectively ⁢seal the Syrian-Iraqi border, further tightening the ⁣noose on ISIS.

Shifting Alliances and a Looming Threat

The SDF’s eastward push‍ coincides with a growing⁤ threat ⁣from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a jihadist group controlling‍ parts ‍of northwestern Syria. HTS’s advances towards Hama and Homs have prompted calls for ‍increased coordination between the Syrian government and the SDF to counter this new challenge.

Adding to the complexity, ⁢the SDF has expressed willingness to engage in dialog with Turkey, seeking to de-escalate tensions through Russian-American mediation.While asserting their strength ⁣to resist Turkish aggression, the SDF acknowledges the need for a political solution to the ⁢Syrian conflict.

A Fragile Peace ‍in ⁢Aleppo?

In⁢ a ⁤separate‍ development, ⁤the SDF has withdrawn from the Tal⁤ Rifat area in northern Aleppo, evacuating around 100,000 residents under American mediation. This move, coupled with the SDF’s decision to maintain a ⁤presence in Aleppo city, suggests ‍a fragile peace brokered⁣ between the SDF and HTS.

The situation in eastern Syria remains fluid, with shifting alliances and the ever-present threat of ISIS. The SDF’s deployment along⁤ the Damascus-Baghdad road marks a significant development,potentially reshaping the power dynamics ‍in the ⁤region and signaling a new chapter in the Syrian conflict.