Fears of escalation grow as dozens die in SDF-militia fighting in Syria

Fighters with the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces stand guard on a street in al-Baseera town in the eastern countryside of Deir Az Zour, Syria, on September 4, 2023 [Baderkhan Ahmad/AP]

Ongoing fighting that erupted between Arab tribal militias and members of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northeast Syria last week has killed dozens of people as fears of further escalation grow.

The fighting started in parts of Deir Az Zor province after the SDF detained a senior commander, Ahmad al-Khbeil, better known as Abu Khawla, who was accused of corruption.