MOSCOW. Aug 7 (Interfax) - Arab tribal militia units fighting against U.S.-backed armed formations have taken control of several populated localities on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River, head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria Rear Adm. Alexander Shcherbitsky said at a press briefing on Thursday.
"There has been an escalation of the situation in the Deir ez-Zor province's districts not controlled by the government of the Syrian Arab Republic. Arab tribal militia units fighting against U.S.-backed armed formations and authorities have taken control of a number of populated localities on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River," Shcherbitsky said.
"The main reason behind these protests of the local population is the dire socioeconomic situation in the districts occupied by the U.S. Armed Forces and formations under their control," he said.
"The illegal presence of the American military contingent in the Syrian Trans-Euphrates region has been the main factor of social and political instability and has hindered the development of dialogue between different parties to the Syrian conflict and the restoration of peaceful life," he said.
"The Russian Federation together with the government of the Syrian Arab Republic stands ready to take all necessary measures to help normalize the situation in the Trans-Euphrates region, revive the national dialogue, and ensure the security and wellbeing of this region's population," Shcherbitsky said.