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The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have lifted a blockade they imposed last week on Syrian regime-held areas of the cities of Qamishli and Al-Hasakah.

The blockades were imposed after fighting broke out between the SDF, who control most of northeastern Syria, and Arab tribal militias in Deir al-Zour, who were formerly allied to the SDF but are now backed by the Assad regime and its ally Iran.

The agreement to lift them came following mediation by the regime’s other main ally, Russia.

Most of Qamishli and Al-Hasakah are under the control of the SDF, but the Assad regime controls a “security square” in each city, comprised of government and security buildings.

The Syrian opposition news site Enab Baladi reported that the SDF had begun implementing the agreement immediately in al-Hasakah, withdrawing all the security barricades it had set up in streets leading up to the “security square”.

In Qamishli, the SDF also withdrew its forces after some delay.

Some media sources reported that in return for lifting the blockades, the pro-regime tribal militias would cease attacks in Deir al-Zour province.

The Deir al-Zour province, east of the Euphrates, is controlled by the SDF while the regime and its pro-Iran militia allies control areas west of the river.

However, there were also reports that the regime’s powerful, Iran-backed Fourth Division had rejected an end to attacks.

Clashes in Deir al-Zour between the SDF and Arab fighters allied with the regime killed at least 15 people last week east of the river, and brought the fighters close to the strategic Al-Omar oil field, where US troops have a presence.

The conflict began in September 2023 when the SDF arrested Ahmed Al-Khubail, a commander of the Deir al-Zour military council who they accused of corruption and dealings with the Syrian regime, leading to heavy fighting between his group and the SDF.

The fighting subsided soon after but flared up again earlier this month.