Draft:Army of Tribes and Clans

Army of Tribes and Clans
جيش القبائل والعشائر
LeadershipIbrahim Al-Hafl
Dates of operation23 September 2023
HeadquartersDeir ez-Zor
IdeologyArab nationalism
AlliesAnti-SDF DMC factions
OpponentsSyrian Democratic Forces
Battles and warsSyrian Civil War

The Army of Tribes and Clans (ATC; Arabic: جيش القبائل والعشائر, romanizedJaysh al-qabail wal-ashair) is a military force in Deir ez-Zor, Syria led by the tribal sheikhs, notably Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Hafl, representing the Al-Akidat tribe. This armed entity has recently garnered attention due to its formation and its declared mission to counter the influence of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), particularly in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor.[1][2]

Formation and leadership edit

In a recent audio statement, Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Hafl announced the establishment of a military leadership for the "Army of Tribes and Clans in the Countryside of Deir ez-Zor." This move was accompanied by calls from opposition groups urging Qatar to form a political and civilian body to represent the tribes in the region.

Sheikh Al-Hafl emphasized the new military leadership's commitment to challenging the SDF and its affiliated militias, accusing them of collaborating with external forces and undermining Arab traditions in the Euphrates Valley region.

Objectives and operations edit

The statement by Sheikh Al-Hafl outlined the primary objective of the Army of Tribes and Clans: to counter SDF forces and affiliated mercenaries in the Deir ez-Zor region. It warned SDF fighters, particularly those of Arab tribal descent, that they were now targets for the tribal forces.

Notably, the announcement signaled a shift from direct attacks on towns and villages to sporadic assaults, indicating a strategy to pressure and exhaust SDF forces. The tribal forces aim to force the international coalition, particularly the United States, to withdraw from the entire Deir ez-Zor region.

International relations and funding edit

The Army of Tribes and Clans appears to be independent of complete allegiance to any external entity, as Sheikh Al-Hafl did not seek funding from the international coalition. This approach underscores the force's determination to operate as an independent power within the region, resisting affiliation with the Syrian government, opposition groups, or external forces.

Political advocacy edit

The formation of the Army of Tribes and Clans coincides with calls from opposition figures for Qatar to establish a political and civilian body to represent the tribes in the Deir ez-Zor countryside. The potential involvement of former Syrian Prime Minister Riad Hijab, who hails from the region and is accepted both regionally and internationally, has been suggested.

Ongoing developments edit

As of the latest information, the SDF has not announced a new leadership structure for the Deir ez-Zor Military Council. The tribal forces' attacks continue, indicating their refusal to accept the current administrative and military situation in the region, which they perceive as incompatible with the interests and traditions of the local tribes.

The Army of Tribes and Clans is actively seeking both military and political means to address what they view as grievances against the SDF and its management of the Deir ez-Zor region.[citation needed]

References edit

  1. ^ "الاشتباكات المسلحة بين مقاتلي القبائل في ريف دير الزور و"قوات سوريا الديمقراطية" تتجدد بعد نحو أسبوعين من توقفها". رأي اليوم. 26 September 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  2. ^ Anas.Kurdi. "سورية: الهفل يعلن تشكيل "جيش قوات العشائر العربية" لقتال "قسد"". AlAraby (in Arabic). Retrieved 14 November 2023.