Regional powers jockey for influence in Deir ez-Zor protests
Recent protests in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor, split between pro-regime and SDF forces, have raised questions about who will eventually exert control over the region, as heavily restricted access for independent journalists means information coming out of the area is scarce and narratives diverge.
HASAKAH, Syria — As protests continue in the Deir ez-Zor region, observers are questioning to what extent the various forces in power will be affected and what this means for Syria’s fragmented, easternmost region.
Tensions rose between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Syrian government and allied forces in Arab-majority Deir ez-Zor in the last two weeks of September, especially in the area of Salihiyah.
