In eastern Syria, clashes between two U.S.-backed groups have resulted in three deaths, causing increased tensions in the region where hundreds of American troops are deployed. The clashes highlight growing divisions between U.S.-backed Kurdish and Arab fighters in the area that borders Iraq, a region where the Islamic State group previously had a strong presence. U.S.-backed fighters have been instrumental in targeting and combating sleeper cells of the Islamic State that continue to carry out deadly attacks. The recent clashes occurred following the detention of the commander of a formerly allied group and several other members after they were invited to a meeting.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Kurdish-led group backed by the U.S., did not confirm the detention. However, concerns have emerged that the detained commander was establishing links with the Syrian government and Turkey, which has targeted Kurdish fighters in northern Syria. These tensions could potentially increase divisions between Kurds and Arabs, particularly because most of the detained supporters belong to a powerful tribe in eastern Syria. Previous clashes between the two sides in July resulted in the death of one Arab fighter. In response to the recent clashes, angry Arab tribesmen have reportedly cut roads in protest against the SDF.

In addition to the clashes, the Kurdish police force known as Asayesh stormed the offices of Baz news network, an activist collective, and detained five citizen journalists including the head of the network. The network is said to be funded by the detained commander. The Observatory also reported that Kurdish fighters detained journalists, confiscated equipment, and took control of the network's offices. The situation further underscores the complex dynamics in eastern Syria, where U.S. forces, alongside an undisclosed number of contractors, partner with the SDF to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State group.