SDF accuses Syrian government of orchestrating attack in Dayro Zcuro (Deir ez-Zor) amid rising tensions

DAYRO ZCURO, North and East Syria — In the latest sign of worsening tensions between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian government, the SDF announced on Sunday that a government-backed armed group launched an attack on a military outpost belonging to the Al-Kasra Military Council in the town of Janina, in the Dayro Zcuro (Deir ez-Zor) countryside.

According to a statement released by the SDF Media Center, its fighters repelled the assault, inflicting casualties on the attackers. Five SDF fighters were wounded. The group stressed that “repeated aggressions will not deter our forces from fulfilling their duty to protect the regions of North and East Syria.”

Update – Our forces repel attack by Damascus government–affiliated armed groups in Deir Ezzor’s countryside pic.twitter.com/w0x3EpKR1Q

— Syrian Democratic Forces (@SDF_Syria) August 24, 2025

The SDF directly blamed the Syrian government for orchestrating the operation, describing it as part of an effort to destabilize the region at a time when the eastern Dayro Zcuro countryside is already facing increased attacks from the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group.

The incident highlights the fragility of relations between the two sides, despite a 10 March agreement that was expected to pave the way for broader security and political coordination. The Syrian government’s withdrawal from recent Paris meetings has only deepened the divide. Analysts warn that continued clashes risk accelerating Syria’s internal fragmentation and undermining what remains of its stability.

This latest flare-up follows a series of recent attacks. The most significant occurred on 2 August, when a rocket strike targeted a Syrian army position in the village of Al-Kiyariyeh, near Mabbug (Manbij). The Syrian Ministry of Defense reported that four soldiers and three civilians were wounded. Although no group claimed responsibility, Damascus swiftly accused the SDF, stating that its forces were “carrying out precision strikes” against the launch sites, including a rocket launcher and a field gun allegedly located near the town of Maskaneh in eastern Holeb (Aleppo) province.

Also Read: Rocket Attack in northern Syria Reignites Tensions Between Syrian Democratic Forces and Damascus

The SDF forcefully rejected the accusations the following day. In a statement issued on 3 August, it dismissed the claims as “baseless” and countered that “undisciplined factions” within the Syrian army were the true source of escalation, alleging that regime artillery units had shelled civilian neighborhoods in Deir Hafer with more than ten rounds.

Update – Our Forces Exercise Their Right to Self-Defense in Deir Hafer

Our SDF Media Center categorically rejects the allegations made by the “Media and Communications Department of the Syrian Ministry of Defense” concerning an alleged attack by our forces on Syrian government… https://t.co/TEgzjsfo8J

— Syrian Democratic Forces (@SDF_Syria) August 2, 2025

The exchange of accusations has fueled growing concern among observers that what began as sporadic clashes could spiral into a broader confrontation, threatening fragile cease-fire arrangements and further complicating Syria’s already protracted and fragmented conflict.