Syrian Arab Tribes Declare ‘General Mobilization’ Against SDF

Several of Syria’s Arab tribes have issued statements over the past 24 hours calling for a “general mobilization” against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Sulaiman al-Mashi, a representative of the Al-Boubna al-Shaabania tribe, said “the enemies have not yet sheathed their swords,” and declared a “general mobilization until an official statement” ordered otherwise.

The Al-Bu Jabr clan also joined the movement and declared a willingness to “transcend tribal differences and prioritize the homeland and land over all considerations.” They called for broad participation in the mobilization “to achieve freedom, justice, and the protection of rights.”

Members of the Albu Shaaban, Albu Dhaher, Al-Walda, Al-Huwaiwat, Al-Afadleh, Al-Amirat, and Al-Jaabat tribes declared a general mobilization against the SDF as well.

Additionally, the Bani Asid Hashemite clan supported the call for mobilization and expressed support for the Syrian government in confronting “separatists and traitorous agents.”

The anti-SDF statements come days after the Pentagon warned of renewed tensions between Arab tribes and the US-backed Kurdish militia.

A new report from the Defense Department’s inspector general confirmed that in May, US and allied forces withdrew from Green Village base, the Conoco base, and Mission Support Site Euphrates in northeast Syria – handing some infrastructure over to the SDF.

The report goes on to say that the US army pulled out from the area at a time when relations between the SDF and local Arab tribes remain tense. Last year, the tribes launched an armed rebellion against the SDF – which they view as an extension of US occupation.

It also noted that the tension between the SDF and the Arab tribes is expected to surge without the presence of the US military.

During the rebellion last year, the tribes revolting against the SDF were said to have been receiving support from the government of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.

More recently, Syrian tribes affiliated with the new Syrian government took part in atrocities against the Druze minority during last month’s fighting between Damascus and armed members of the community in Suwayda.

Months earlier, thousands of Alawite civilians were killed in a series of government-led massacres across the Syrian coast. Many of the Syrian army factions involved also have a history of persecuting Kurds in northern Syria.

The violence has made the SDF wary of an agreement it signed with Damascus in March, which called for its integration into the Syrian military.

There have been tensions between Damascus and the SDF over the implementation of the deal, particularly the SDF’s wish to remain under Kurdish command and enter the army as its own bloc.

Clashes broke out between the SDF and the Syrian army in Aleppo early this month. Both sides accused each other of instigating the clashes, and limited skirmishes have since erupted.

“Two groups affiliated with the SDF forces, at approximately 2:35 am, infiltrated Syrian Arab Army positions in the Tal Maaz area east of Aleppo. This escalation led to violent clashes in the area, resulting in the death of one army soldier,” the Syrian Defense Ministry’s Media Department announced on 12 August.

The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) said on 25 July that a deal with Damascus to integrate Kurdish forces into the Syrian army has been “complicated” by the recent violence in southern Syria, as well as the coastal massacres.

The AANES is the Kurdish-led governing body that is in charge of parts of northern and eastern Syria. It is closely affiliated with the SDF.

“The lack of a transparent military structure in Syria, especially following violence in Alawite regions on the coast and in the southern Druze-majority province of Suwayda, complicates the possibility of integrating the SDF into its military structure,” AANES Foreign Relations Co-Chair Elham Ahmad said.