Arab Tribes Strike Back: A Turning Tide Against PKK/YPG in Deir ez-Zor

For the first time in years, the PKK/YPG, a US-backed terrorist organization operating in Syria, is facing significant territorial losses in the Deir ez-Zor region. The reversal comes as Arab tribes east of the Euphrates River mount an unprecedented resistance against the group, seizing control of critical areas long held by the PKK/YPG. This development marks a crucial shift in the dynamics of Syria's protracted conflict, signaling a weakening of the group's hold over eastern Syria.

A Shift in Allegiance: The Arab Tribes' Rise

Arab tribes in Deir ez-Zor, initially coerced into cooperating with the PKK/YPG under US patronage, are now severing ties and reclaiming their autonomy. According to local sources, these tribes have taken a bold stance, leveraging their historical and social unity to push back against what they perceive as foreign-imposed domination.

Key districts such as Al-Mayadin and Al-Bukamal, as well as Deir ez-Zor’s city center, are now under the control of the Arab tribes. Beyond the Euphrates River, strategic settlements including Hajin, Ash Sha'Fah, Bahra, Gharanij, Abu Hammam, Diban, Al Tayyana, Darnaj, Abu Hardub, and the al-Tim oil field have also been liberated. These victories not only reduce the PKK/YPG's territorial reach but also cut into its resource base, weakening its operational capacity.

This rebellion underscores a broader discontent among local Arab populations who have long been marginalized and subjected to the PKK/YPG’s control under the guise of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Their actions reflect a growing desire to reclaim their agency in the fractured landscape of post-conflict Syria.

Historical Context: The PKK/YPG’s Rise in Syria

The PKK/YPG capitalized on the power vacuum created by the Syrian Civil War, especially following the weakening and eventual collapse of the Assad regime in the eastern regions. During the turmoil, the PKK/YPG expanded its reach, often with tacit or direct support from international actors, particularly the United States. The US viewed the group as a reliable partner in its fight against ISIS, overlooking the PKK/YPG's designation as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the EU, and even the US itself.

This support enabled the PKK/YPG to establish a quasi-administrative structure in northeastern Syria, encompassing both Kurdish-majority areas and regions with significant Arab populations. However, this expansion came at the cost of widespread discontent, particularly among Arab communities who found themselves under the control of a group with distinct ethnic and political objectives.

Breaking Away: Deir ez-Zor’s Military Council Splinters

One of the most significant aspects of the current conflict is the defection of Arab members from the Deir ez-Zor Military Council, which had previously been aligned with the PKK/YPG. These defections are emblematic of the growing rift between Arab communities and the Kurdish-dominated group.

For years, Arab fighters had reluctantly joined the PKK/YPG's ranks, compelled by US support and promises of stability. However, the PKK/YPG’s prioritization of its own nationalist agenda over the needs of local populations, coupled with its heavy-handed tactics, has alienated many of its erstwhile allies. The recent clashes in Deir ez-Zor signify a breaking point, with former collaborators turning against their former benefactors in pursuit of self-determination.

Escalation and the Blockade of the Terror Corridor

The Arab tribes' offensive against the PKK/YPG has effectively disrupted the group’s long-standing goal of establishing a "terror corridor" along the Turkish border. This corridor, intended to connect PKK/YPG-controlled territories in Syria, posed a direct threat to Türkiye's national security. Over the years, Türkiye has launched several military operations to dismantle this corridor, working alongside local allies such as the Syrian National Army to curtail the PKK/YPG’s influence.

The latest developments in Deir ez-Zor amplify Türkiye's efforts to weaken the PKK/YPG, as local forces now play a pivotal role in dismantling the group’s territorial ambitions. The liberation of oil-rich areas such as the al-Tim oil field further compounds the PKK/YPG's woes, as these resources were crucial to funding its operations.

Implications for US Policy
The United States’ support for the PKK/YPG has long been a contentious issue, both regionally and globally. While Washington viewed the PKK/YPG as an indispensable ally in its campaign against ISIS, this partnership has come under increasing scrutiny. Türkiye, a key NATO ally, has consistently criticized the US for supporting a group it deems a direct threat to its sovereignty.

The Arab tribes' rebellion underscores the flaws in the US’s reliance on the PKK/YPG as a stabilizing force in Syria. By alienating local populations and exacerbating ethnic tensions, the PKK/YPG’s approach has proven counterproductive to long-term stability. The shifting allegiances of Arab forces highlight the need for a more inclusive and locally-driven strategy in addressing the region’s complex dynamics.

A Turning Point in Syria’s Conflict?
The recent clashes in Deir ez-Zor could mark a turning point in Syria’s ongoing conflict. For years, the PKK/YPG’s dominance east of the Euphrates seemed unassailable, bolstered by international support and the group’s ability to fill power vacuums left by the Assad regime’s retreat. However, the Arab tribes’ uprising demonstrates that local dynamics and grievances can still reshape the balance of power in the region.

The tribal offensive also raises questions about the future of governance in eastern Syria. As the PKK/YPG loses territory, a power vacuum may reemerge, risking further instability unless a sustainable political solution is found. The Arab tribes’ newfound unity offers a potential foundation for such a solution, provided it is supported by a framework that prioritizes local interests over external agendas.

Türkiye’s Role and Regional Implications

For Türkiye, the weakening of the PKK/YPG is a significant strategic victory. Over the years, Ankara has conducted multiple military operations in northern Syria, aimed at dismantling the PKK/YPG’s infrastructure and securing its border. The Arab tribes’ actions align with Türkiye’s broader goals, reducing the group’s ability to project power near Turkish territory.

Moreover, the developments in Deir ez-Zor could influence the broader geopolitics of the Syrian conflict. Regional players such as Iran and Russia, who have vested interests in Syria, may view the PKK/YPG’s losses as an opportunity to expand their influence. The Arab tribes’ pushback also complicates US policy in the region, as Washington must now contend with the fallout of its reliance on a controversial partner.

Conclusion
The Arab tribes’ offensive against the PKK/YPG is more than just a territorial dispute; it is a manifestation of deeper societal and political fractures within Syria. By reclaiming their land and asserting their autonomy, these tribes are challenging the status quo and reshaping the dynamics of the Syrian conflict.

As the dust settles, the international community must grapple with the implications of this turning point. For the US, it is an opportunity to reassess its strategy and engage with a broader spectrum of local actors. For Türkiye and other regional stakeholders, it is a moment to consolidate gains and push for a more stable and inclusive political settlement.

Ultimately, the events in Deir ez-Zor highlight the enduring complexities of Syria’s war, where local agency and global geopolitics intersect in unpredictable and transformative ways. The rise of the Arab tribes may signal the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s tumultuous history, one where local voices play a central role in determining the future.