The Media Centre of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) issued a statement about the attacks by mercenaries linked to the Syrian government.

The statement said: "In the late hours of Tuesday evening and early on Wednesday, Syrian regime-backed mercenaries and groups of the so-called National Defense Forces launched a ground attack against areas on the eastern banks of the Euphrates River, east of Deir ez-Zor."

The statement added: "This attack, supported by indiscriminate and heavy artillery and mortar fire, triggered fierce clashes between our SDF’s Military Councils of Deir ez-Zor and Hajin with attacking groups in the vicinity of Dhiban, Al-Latwa, and Abu Hamam.

The indiscriminate shelling by Syrian regime forces resulted in two civilians being killed and five others injured in Dhiban and Al-Lutwa. Additionally, civilian casualties were reported in the city of Al-Shuhail."

The statement added: "In response to this aggression, our forces exercised their legitimate right to defend our area and our people. They successfully repelled the attack and are currently conducting clearance operations to eliminate any remaining threats posed by the attacking groups."