Syrian Democratic Forces face growing opposition as anti-Assad government gains ground VIDEO

As the fall of the Assad regime in Syria continues to shift the political and military landscape, the Kurdish-controlled, US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are facing growing challenges in governing Arab areas in northeastern Syria.

The emergence of the HTS-led transitional government has presented a viable alternative to SDF rule, raising tensions and fueling local opposition, particularly in Raqqa Province, Caliber.Az reports citing the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Reports from Arab sources reveal that opposition groups seized SDF military checkpoints and headquarters in the towns of Karamah and Tabqa on December 8. In response, the SDF deployed reinforcements to Karamah on December 9 and initiated a large-scale arrest campaign targeting several villages involved in the unrest.

While local resistance remains largely disorganized and under-equipped, the rise of the HTS-led government is proving to be a significant challenge for the SDF, which has already struggled with its relationship with local Arab communities.

🔴 Deyrizor'da Arap aşiretler ile PKK/YPG arasında gece boyunca çatışmalar yaşandı. pic.twitter.com/wMJgFIiX5B

— Conflict (@ConflictTR) December 10, 2024

The existence of the Assad regime had previously acted as a stabilizing force, preventing large-scale uprisings against the SDF in northeastern Syria. However, local discontent is beginning to spill over, as seen in the armed uprisings and demonstrations against the SDF in Deir ez Zor Province in the autumn of 2023.

🚨Deyrizor’da PKK/YPG’li teröristlere ait araçlar halk tarafından taşlandı. pic.twitter.com/GR23IC9503

— Conflict (@ConflictTR) December 9, 2024

Further unrest has been reported in Deir ez Zor City on December 9, where local opposition groups rallied for the HTS-led transitional government to take control. The SDF responded with gunfire, killing several protesters. Although HTS-affiliated forces are reportedly operating in Deir ez Zor City, they have not yet achieved full security control over the area.

The SDF is also contending with external opposition, as Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) forces continue to make gains in key areas of SDF-controlled territory. SNA forces advanced east of Manbij to Qara Qozak Bridge and Tishrin Dam, two vital river crossings in SDF-held regions. While the SDF disputes claims that the SNA has fully seized control of Manbij, opposition media has published footage of SNA forces at the Qara Qozak Bridge, heightening tensions in the region.

🚨Suriye Milli Ordusu, Münbiç’te Karakozak köprüsüne ulaştı.

▪️Teröristlere ait bir zırhlı muharebe aracı imha edildi. pic.twitter.com/Q7Z0n1pKnD

— Conflict (@ConflictTR) December 9, 2024

By Vafa Guliyeva