Syrian army seizes Tabqa, Euphrates dam and Omar oil field as SDF withdraws east
Syrian forces seized Tabqa, the Euphrates dam and the Omar oil field after the SDF withdrew east of the river amid stalled integration talks recently.
Overview
Syrian army and allied tribal forces captured Tabqa city, the strategic Tabqa (Euphrates) dam and the Omar oil field after the Kurdish-led SDF pulled back from the area.
The advance followed deadly clashes in Aleppo and the unraveling of a March agreement to integrate SDF forces into President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s institutions, prompting renewed operations.
The SDF announced redeployment east of the Euphrates after talks with U.S. officials; Washington urged calm while mediating ceasefire efforts and high-level meetings.
Monitors and Syrian officials say Kurdish forces withdrew from villages and oilfields including Omar and Tanak; Damascus accused the SDF of blowing bridges and executing prisoners, allegations denied by the SDF.
President al-Sharaa issued a decree recognizing Kurdish as a national language and Newroz as a holiday as he seeks to integrate Kurdish bodies, but implementation and tensions risk wider conflict.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this coverage neutrally, balancing official claims and on-the-ground observations. They cite government and SDF statements, note denials and supporting reporter verification (empty prisons, residents greeting troops), and include independent monitors and state media reports—showing source plurality and limited loaded language rather than an editorial narrative.
Sources (8)
FAQ
The Syrian army captured these strategic locations after the Kurdish-led SDF withdrew east of the Euphrates amid stalled March integration talks and following deadly clashes in Aleppo.
Tabqa city and the Euphrates Dam are strategic assets; the dam is Syria's largest, controlling water flow southward into SDF areas, and the city includes a military airport connecting Aleppo to eastern Syria.
SDF leader Mazloum Abdi announced withdrawal east of the Euphrates based on calls from friendly countries and U.S. mediators after stalled integration talks and clashes.
Damascus accused SDF of blowing up bridges, executing prisoners, and cutting water supplies; SDF denied this, claiming they transferred prisoners safely and accused Damascus-linked cells of prison attacks.
President al-Sharaa issued a decree recognizing Kurdish as a national language for the first time since 1946 and Newroz as a holiday to promote integration amid tensions.
History
3 sources