Commander Hassan Abdul Ghani announced that Syrian opposition forces have taken full control of the eastern city of Deir Az Zor, declaring it ‘liberated’. The fighters, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Shams (HTS), seized the city after clashes with Kurdish-led forces who briefly held it. The victory is part of a series of successes for the opposition forces, who have also captured Damascus, forcing former President Bashar al-Assad to flee the country. Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali has agreed to transfer power to an HTS-led transitional government.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had briefly held Deir Az Zor city after Syrian government forces retreated. The SDF still control parts of the governorate and are across the Euphrates river, where the opposition forces are advancing. The power struggle in Deir Az Zor, once a key battleground against ISIS, follows the rebel forces gaining control of Manbij from Kurdish-led forces. The US, which supports the SDF, mediated a ceasefire between them and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army in Manbij to protect civilians.
The situation in Deir Az Zor highlights the complex dynamics in the Syrian conflict, with various factions vying for control of territory. The opposition’s capture of the city is a significant development, signaling their continued advancement against pro-government and Kurdish forces.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
Rebels Who Toppled al-Assad Seize Power in Syria’s Deir Az Zor City | Updates on Syria’s Conflict
