Tribes vow to fight US-backed militants in northeastern Syria

A number of Syrian clans, tribes and national elites have voiced their support for popular resistance forces against US troops and their allies, charging the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and other militant groups with stealing the country’s resources.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the elders and notable members of various tribes in the northwestern Syrian city of Aleppo pledged after a meeting to take action against the "American occupiers" and the US-backed mercenaries and Turkish-backed militants, and to liberate Syrian territories. 

The participants stressed their resolve to extend moral and material assistance to the popular resistance until the full expulsion of foreign-backed militants and liberation of the Syrian soil.  

They also hailed consecutive victories achieved by the Syrian government forces in Aleppo, Idlb and other areas over the past few months "under the courageous leadership" of President Bashar al-Assad. 

Security conditions are reportedly deteriorating in the areas controlled by the SDF in Hasakah and Dayr al-Zawr provinces amid ongoing raids and kidnapping of civilians by the US-sponsored militants. 

Locals argue that the SDF’s constant raids and arrest campaigns have generated a state of frustration and instability, severely affecting their businesses and livelihoods. 

Residents charge the US-backed militants with stealing crude oil and failing to spend money on service sectors. 

In recent months, the US has dispatched fresh military convoys to Syria’s northeastern province of Hasakah. The presence of US forces in northern and eastern Syria has particularly irked civilians, and local residents have on several occasions stopped American military convoys trying to enter the regions.

Syria, which has not authorized the presence of the US military in its territory, says Washington is “plundering” the country’s oil.

SS