CSAG Information Paper: "Deir ez-Zor: Critical Juncture in the Process Towards Syria’s Normalization"
Subject: Deir ez-Zor: Critical Juncture in the Process Towards Syria’s Normalization
Purpose: To present CSAG’s analysis of the strategic significance of Deir ez-Zor in shaping the future of Syria. It reveals the growing interest of various actors operating in the region and their efforts to gain an edge in the process of Syria’s normalization.
Introduction: Deir ez-Zor, the capital of the province with the same name, is at a key junction of land lines of communication (LOCs). The province is close to the Iraq border and abundant in natural resources (e.g., oil and gas). The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) recently reinforced its position in Deir ez-Zor province, where Iranian-backed militias and Russian-backed government forces already controlled large areas. The province is also known to contain Islamic State (IS) sleeper cells.1 The province is also a key access point for the U.S.-led coalition to move troops and supplies in and out of Syria and to support the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).2 Control of this region could be key to Syria's normalization process.
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The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of a number of international officers within the Combined Strategic Analysis Group (CSAG) and do not necessarily reflect the views of United States Central Command, not of the nations represented within the CSAG or any other governmental agency.
