"تقرير عسكري عن بلاد الرافدين (العراق)" [و‎‎٣‎٢] (٢٢٦/٦٨)

Fighting Ability. The sedentary Baggarah display no
marked aptitude for fighting, but the rougher nomads are
reputed warriors, second to none in long-distant camel
raids. In their fighting methods they differ little from
other Arab tribes.
Political Attitude. The tribe at present is under the
jurisdiction of the Syrian Government, and is controlled
from Dair al Zor. It is said to have taken part in the
Dair al Zor coup in December, 1919, when the British
garrison was captured. Owing to its position, it is
susceptible to Pan-Arab and Turkish propaganda, but is
unlikely to move of its own accord against any
government.
Rifles .—The tribe possessed, in 1920, 500 modern and
700 old but serviceable rifles. The predominating type
is the Turkish Mauser. Sources of supply of both rifles
and ammunition are Aleppo and Ras al Ain. There is
also a certain amount of gun-running from the Syrian
desert, and as there appears to be no adequate effort
made to suppress this trade at its source, it is feasible
to suppose the Baggarah have close on 1,000 modern
rifles.
Religion and Language.~P>y religion the tribe is
Sunni, and consequently inclines to favour the Turks.
They speak Arabic.
Personalities. There is no outstanding personality in
the Baggarah, but Mahmud al Gahit, Thiab al Bishra
and Salih ibn Hasan control the tribe between them.
Punitive Measures. —( 1 ) T'ermm.—Riverine flats and
the waterless desert cut by the Khabur.
( 2 ) Routes. The main Baghdad—Aleppo route lies on
the right bank between Dair al Zor and Aleppo. There
are also several lateral tracks between the Khabur and
Euphrates passable for L.A.M. cars, but impracticable
tor infantry and cavalry. Along the Khabur there exist
tracks fit for pack transport.
(3) The curtailment of supplies from Dair al Zor, the
destruction of villages on the river, and action by L.A.M.
cars and aeroplanes are indicated as punitive measures.