SDF Advances Aim to Drive Out Iranian Influence in Eastern Syria
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched an offensive in Deir ez-Zor province, aiming to gain control of seven villages along the eastern bank of the Euphrates River. The operation, dubbed "Battle of Return," seeks not only to push back Iranian militia presence but also to facilitate the return of tens of thousands of displaced residents who fled the area in 2017.
Clashes continue on the outskirts of scattered villages, but the SDF have already secured positions around Tabiya, Al-Husseiniyah, and Al-Salihiyah.
The strategically vital villages have been occupied by Iranian militias, according to the SDF, and pose a threat to international coalition bases in the region.
The Offensive’s Timing: A Calculated Move
The offensive coincides with significant political and military developments in Syria. The SDF is benefiting from U.S. air support and the recent relaxation of wartime restrictions on airstrikes by the referral of the conflict to the United Nations Security Council by the Syrian government.
Explaining the timing of the operation, Omar Abu Laila, director of the Deir ez-Zor 24 network, stated,
"Exploiting timing is a key factor.
"The villages are launching points for attacks on coalition bases, and this operation is directly linked to the international coalition."
He emphasized theonshire operation’s strategic significance.
"The Russians and Iranian militias aimed to reach Koniko; they’ve been targeted repeatedly and have lost their ability to advance.”
Securing the East
The SDF’s ultimate goal is to consolidate control on the eastern side of the Euphrates River, effectively diminishing the Syrian regime and Iranian militias influence in the region. With this operation, they are pushing towards replicating the Syrian Democratic Forces
Hoshang Hassan, a journalist for the North Press Agency, analyzes the operation in two spheres: countering ISIS and diminishing Iranian influence. The SDF is prioritizing securing these villages to prevent them from being used by groups like those led by Ibrahim al-Hafel, who are supported by Iran. In fact, a recent report by the international coalition confirmed that these militant groups received "explicit support from Iran and the Syrian regime.”
Framing the removal of Iranian influence, Hassan says,
"This offense is of strategic importance as these villages became launching pads for attacks on coalition bases and the eastern regions of the Euphrates River."
The recent upheavals in northwestern Syria, where armed groups launched offensives against the Syrian regime army, may create opportunities for ISIS to regroup and rebuild. Thus, securing these villages serves as preemptive action, disrupting ISIS operations in isolating control of theSDF
Control and the New Realities in Syria
The fight for control of these eastern villages signifies the changing landscape of the Syrian conflict.
“Actually, the Syrian reality has been redefined. We see all sides are maneuvering to secure their spheres of influence."
The ongoing conflict has reshaped alliances and shifted the balance of power. The SDF’s operation demonstrates a clear strategy to protect their territory while simultaneously countering Iranian influence, utilizing the support of the international community, and working towards a stable future for displaced communities in the region.
– What specific geopolitical factors are motivating the SDF to launch this offensive at this particular time?
## Interview: The SDF Offensive in Deir ez-Zor
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re discussing the recent SDF offensive in Deir ez-Zor province, dubbed “Battle of Return.” Joining us is [Guest Name], an expert on Syrian affairs and security. Thank you for being here.
**Guest:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s dive right in. Can you tell our viewers about the objectives of this SDF offensive?
**Guest:** The SDF launched this operation to retake control of seven strategically important villages along the eastern bank of the Euphrates River. These villages have been occupied by Iranian militias, posing a direct threat to international coalition bases in the region. The SDF aims to push back Iranian influence and create a safer environment for the tens of thousands of displaced residents who fled the area in 2017 to return home [[1](https://apnews.com/article/syria-sdf-islamic-state-group-baghouz-anniversary-fa6081e9ff7ac9f1838197b2a4fb01a4)].
**Host:** There seems to be a significan timing element to this offensive, coinciding with some recent political and military developments in Syria. Can you elaborate on that?
**Guest:** Absolutely. The SDF is benefiting from increased U.S. air support and relaxed wartime restrictions on airstrikes due to the Syrian government’s referral of the conflict to the UN Security Council. This creates a more favorable environment for the SDF to conduct this operation. As Omar Abu Laila, director of the Deir ez-Zor 24 network, points out, “Exploiting timing is a key factor.” [[1](https://apnews.com/article/syria-sdf-islamic-state-group-baghouz-anniversary-fa6081e9ff7ac9f1838197b2a4fb01a4)].
**Host:** What are the broader strategic implications of this offensive?
**Guest:** This operation is about more than just retaking villages. It’s a bid by the SDF to consolidate control on the eastern side of the Euphrates River, effectively challenging the Syrian regime and Iranian militia presence in the region. By pushing back Iranian influence, the SDF aims to secure a more stable and autonomous area for themselves and the communities they represent [[1](https://apnews.com/article/syria-sdf-islamic-state-group-baghouz-anniversary-fa6081e9ff7ac9f1838197b2a4fb01a4)].
**Host:** Thank you for providing such insightful analysis on this developing situation. We’ll continue to follow the SDF offensive in Deir ez-Zor and report on any further developments.