The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) confirmed on Wednesday the death of prominent SDF commander Roni Welat, also known as Shervan Hassan, in what they described as a 'terrorist attack' in Deir ez-Zor. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) corroborated this information, reporting that the commander fell victim to an improvised explosive device (IED) on Tuesday at the entrance of the Al-Omar Oil Field base.

The Al-Omar Oil Field base, a strategic location hosting US troops, witnessed the fatal incident. Commander Roni Welat had been actively involved in numerous operations against ISIS, contributing to efforts in Tal Abyad, Raqqa, Manbij, Tabqa, and Deir ez-Zor. Notably, he led the battle against ISIS in Hajin, Deir ez-Zor.

Beyond military operations, Welat played a crucial role in reconciliation initiatives with Arab tribes, especially after the SDF faced challenges in connection with the arrest of Abu Khawla, the leader of the Deir ez-Zor Military Council, in late August. The subsequent tensions led to clashes between the SDF and Arab tribal forces, led by Sheikh Ibrahim al-Hifl, resulting in multiple casualties.

Attributing the unrest in Deir ez-Zor to the Syrian Government and Iran, the SDF has accused both entities of orchestrating the turmoil. Sheikh Ahmad Al Qais al-Huwaidi of the Al Bushaban tribe asserted in a recent interview that Iran supported a rebellion led by al-Hifl, providing him control of a village in exchange for his backing.

Social media accounts supporting al-Hifl's tribal forces claimed responsibility for the attack on Roni Welat. However, it is noteworthy that al-Hifl's forces have not officially claimed responsibility for the incident. The circumstances surrounding the 'terrorist attack' and the ongoing tensions in Deir ez-Zor highlight the complex dynamics in the region and the challenges faced by the SDF in maintaining stability.