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On November 21, two separate attacks targeted fighters of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Syria’s northeastern region.
The first attack targeted a pickup truck of the SDF in the northeastern countryside of al-Hasakah. Unidentified gunmen opened fire at the truck as it was passing on Abu Manasib-al-Rakabiyah road. The vehicle was destroyed. Several SDF fighters were reportedly killed or wounded as a result of the attack.
The second attack targeted a checkpoint of the SDF near the town of al-Swaydan in the eastern Deir Ezzor countryside. Unidentified gunmen opened fire at the checkpoint’s personnel, killing at least one SDF fighter.
The state-run Syrian Arab News Agency said that both attacks were carried out by “popular factions” in northeastern Syria.
These claims may be true as tensions between Arabs and the Kurdish-led SDF in northeastern Syria rose in the recent months. Nevertheless, it is also possible that the last two attacks were carried out by ISIS terrorists.
The recent attacks highlight the instability in northeastern Syria. The SDF and the US-led coalition have failed to secure the region, so far.