GARANIJ, Syria — The Syrian Elite Forces (SEF) were meant to be a multi-tribe, moderate Arab armed group that would be instrumental in taking back their home province of Deir ez-Zor from the Islamic State (IS). It did not, however, end up that way.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) led the fight against IS east of the Euphrates River with strong support from the anti-IS coalition. They are now administering the entire area.
