Sheikhs, opinion leaders and people of the Igêdat tribe made a statement condemning the attacks of the Difa al-Watani gangs and other groups affiliated to the Damascus government forces on the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor.

Sheikh Raxib al-Jedan read a press statement to the accompaniment of dozens of locals, sheikhs and opinion leaders.

The statement said: "As the opinion leaders and sheikhs of the Igêdat tribe, we say on behalf of the people of our tribe that we stand with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) against the attacks of Difa al-Watani and other groups affiliated with the Damascus government on our areas. They targeted the homes of people, massacred many civilians and looted civilian and service institutions in order to occupy the area.

The historical and national attitude of our tribe has always been in favour of preserving the social mosaic in Syria. This is because it is forbidden in our religion for fellow citizens to kill each other. On this basis, we will not allow any party to disrupt our national unity, and we will always stand against them.

The position of the Igêdat tribe was respectable in the approach between all parties and provided basic support for national unity at all levels. We warn all those who claim to represent the Igêdat tribe and speak against the people against these schemes. They do not represent us.

The Igêdat tribe lost dozens of martyrs in the SDF ranks, defended the region and stood against all kinds of attacks. We will continue to defend our lands against all threats.

All Syrian people should know the reality of the parties that are trying to shed more Syrian blood. The Democratic Autonomous Administration and the SDF proposed a solution to the Syrian crisis through Syria's internal dialogue.

This attack is contrary to all efforts that seek dialogue and a solution to the crisis."