SDF says no operation planned against Syrian Army in Albukamal, focus is ISIS

BEIRUT, LEBANON (10:45 P.M.) – The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have no planned operation against the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) in the Deir Ezzor Governorate town of Albukamal, the group’s press office stated on Wednesday.

The SDF’s press office also denied any attacks against the Syrian Arab Army, despite claims by opposition activists; these allegations were also denied by the Syrian military.

Last week, the Syrian military personnel near Albukamal reported several SDF units moving towards their positions, prompting them to question whether or not the U.S.-backed group was planning to attack.

Iraq’s Hashd al-Sha’abi forces later made the same accusation, except they said the U.S. was spying on them and was preparing to attack with one of their proxy groups.

Syria’s Al-Watan newspaper then released an article that claimed the U.S. Coalition was planning to attack the Syrian military with their allied rebel forces in the Al-Tanf region.

The SAA and SDF currently have no issues with one another; moreover, the latter has remained in contact with Damascus and shipped oil and other resources to the government in order to help with the ongoing fuel crisis that is plaguing the country.

While the SDF is U.S.-backed, they have made it clear that they’re interested in a political solution that would bring the end of the war and the implementation of new institutions that would grant them more autonomy.