RIHA – In Deir ez-Zor (Deir ez-Zor), left under the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), oil and economic resources are being plundered, while the people struggle with poverty within a spiral of insecurity. 

 

Chaos has emerged in the oil fields of Deir ez-Zor, which were left by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in order to prevent a possible Arab-Kurdish conflict. Clashed that began between the tribes in the region and HTS and ISIS over oil and economic resources are continuing to escalate. According to information obtained from the field, the transitional Damascus Government has effectively begun renovation works on the crossing point connectin Mezlûm (Mazlum) on the Cizîre (Jazire region) side and Al-Mireyiye on the Shamiye side, known to the public as the “Russian Bridge.”

 

It is stated that the line in question aims to accelerate the shipment of crude oil and its derivatives extracted from the Cizîre fields to Damascus regions under HTS control. According to the information, the bridge serves more to facilitate the passage of oil tankers than to meet civilian needs. The people are experiencing serious difficulties in accessing basic services.

 

AN INTELLIGENCE NETWORK IS BEING ESTABLISHED AGAINST CRITICS

 

It is reported that the transitional government is making comprehensive preparations not only in the economic but also in the military sphere. According to obtained information, instructions have been given to collect detailed personal data and security reports on opinion leaders, activists and figures with social influence; it is alleged that this step aims, on the one hand, to identify names who can be “bought,” and on the other hand to determine opponents planned to be neutralized or detained. It is stated that a preventive intelligence network is particularly sought to be established against circles criticizing oil prices and transfers.

 

OIL IS BEING TRANSPORTED TO ALEPPO AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

 

It is reported that small refineries in the Terhin area in the countryside of Aleppo are being operated on a 24-hour basis. According to incoming information, the responsible person is Malik al-Husên, who allegedly acts directly under Seyf Polat. It is recorded that oil tankers are accompanied by armed individuals and that crude oil is transported from Deir ez-Zor. Sources state that a significant portion of the tankers consist of confiscated vehicles and that young people are intensively employed in these activities. It is noted that a weekly payment of 50 dollars is made, and that the refined oil is marketed in Aleppo and its surroundings without invoices.

 

TENSIONS AMONG TRIBES ARE BEING HEIGHTENED

 

In Deir ez-Zor, it is expressed that there is serious social discontent due to the oil issue. It is stated that especially along the Busêra line, small refineries have been reactivated, armament has become widespread and society has been divided into two. Those voicing that promises have not been kept argue that the government’s declared “victory” rhetoric has not found a response on the ground. It is expressed that western bank sheikhs making decisions about the eastern bank have weakened tribal authority and created a new line of tension. It is also claimed that new armed groups have arrived in the region.

 

INSECURITY HAS BEGUN IN THE REGION

 

It is stated that paramilitary groups tell tribes that the agreement made with SDF will soon be annulled. However, after some areas were handed over to SDF, it is expressed that the trust of tribes in the government and armed structures has been seriously shaken. It is even conveyed that some individuals regret having left SDF. The revelation that some figures making “liberation” calls are from outside the region is evaluated as another factor increasing distrust at the local level.

 

RECORD OF TURKEY-BACKED GROUPS

 

There are allegations that the group referred to as “Emsal” operates in Yaîrubi and along the Şedadê line and transmits information to Turkey. It is claimed that the group’s activities include provocations, recording and looting actions. In Merkede, it is stated that there is a smaller surveillance formation. The people of the region express that they are experiencing one of the heaviest economic crises of recent years. It is recorded that with deepening impoverishment, incidents such as livestock theft have increased, and in recent days attacks targeting vehicles of paramilitary groups have taken place. Although a military presence continues on the Til Temir and Abdülaziz Mountain fronts, mobility is limited. On the other hand, it is stated that elements affiliated with the 66th Division have been shifted to the Iraqi border and that the 86th Division has changed position.

 

CONCLUSION

 

As a result, increasing pressures in the region are causing serious economic fractures among the people, while resources obtained from the region are being transferred elsewhere. This situation leads the people and tribes of the region to carry out actions against the policies implemented, while clashes directly affect the daily life of the population. Although clashes have partially ceased with the agreement reached between SDF and Damascus on January 30, chaos continues in areas under HTS control, particularly in Deir ez-Zor.

 

MA / E. Pejder Altan