In the eastern province of Deir al Zor in Syria, clashes have erupted between Arab tribal fighters and US-backed Kurdish-led forces, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. The conflict escalated after the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) detained the commander and several members of the Deir Az Zor Military Council, an alliance that had been supporting the SDF in its fight against ISIS. Reports suggest that at least 40 fighters from both sides and 15 civilians have been killed since the fighting began on Sunday.

The clashes have exposed deep-seated resentment among the Arab population towards the Kurdish-led administration, which controls the predominately Arab region. Arab residents complain that they are not receiving their fair share of the oil wealth in the province, contributing to the unrest.

The SDF has denied any discrimination against Arabs, stating that it seeks to redress historical injustices against the Kurdish population. These clashes highlight the potential for further divisions between Kurdish and Arab fighters, which could reignite tensions and instability in the region.