The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced successfully thwarting an infiltration attempt by Iranian-backed militants on Sunday in Deir ez-Zor (Dêrezor) Governorate, eastern Syria. The militants, who are affiliated with Syrian government forces, attempted to cross the Euphrates River into the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, specifically targeting the town of Abu Hamam (Ebû Hemam).

The Hajin Military Council, a component of the SDF, reported that their forces intercepted and repelled the militants as they tried to advance into SDF-controlled areas. The militants were met with mortar shells and machine-gun fire, forcing them to retreat to positions held by Iranian-backed militias and government forces.

A local source told North Press that the militants intended to launch an attack on SDF positions but were stopped before they could achieve their objective.

The eastern bank of the Euphrates River, the region of recent escalation, has a strategic importance in the broader conflict between regional powers and Kurdish-led local forces in Syria.

The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), which governs the Kurdish-majority regions, has faced increasing pressure in recent months as attacks from Iranian-backed militias and Syrian government forces escalated. SDF, tasked with protecting the AANES-controlled areas, have been on high alert due to these intensified hostilities.

The escalation in violence, particularly in Deir ez-Zor, has led to significant civilian casualties, including the recent killing of 13 civilians during a series of attacks on villages in the region. The most recent attack early on Monday, where Syrian government forces and affiliated National Defence Forces (Difa al-Watani) militias shelled the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, resulted in at least 14 injuries, including two in critical condition. The shelling targeted the villages of Keshkiye (Kişkiyê) and the Al-Mawah (El Mewh) neighbourhood in Abu Hamam, leaving civilians injured and rescue efforts hampered due to continuous bombardment.

This surge in aggression follows the resumption of rapprochement talks between Turkey and Syria, spurred by Turkish President Erdoğan’s late June statements, which have seemingly emboldened Syrian and Iranian-backed forces to increase their assaults on the AANES and SDF positions.