Syrian Army Advances on SDF-Controlled Raqqa Region

Syrian Government Forces Capture Tabqa City, Euphrates Dam

Government forces have taken control of Tabqa city in Raqqa governorate, a strategic location in northern Syria. President al-Sharaa has signed a decree recognizing Kurdish rights.

The Syrian army launched a lightning offensive against the United States-trained Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), capturing the northern city of Tabqa and its military airport on the Euphrates River. The government forces also seized the Euphrates Dam, located approximately 50 kilometers west of Raqqa city.

Heavy fighting occurred between the army and SDF forces in Aleppo on January 6 after talks aimed at integrating Kurdish fighters into Syria’s national army stalled. Clashes also took place last month before a deadline for the SDF to lay down its heavy weapons and hand over control of areas in Aleppo to the national army.

Government-allied groups have taken control of several key locations, including the Asayish headquarters in Markada town and major oil- and gasfields in Deir Az Zor province. The Syrian Petroleum Company reported that Syrian forces seized the Rasafa and Sufyan oilfields in Raqqa, which could now be returned to production.

The SDF has accused the government of violating a withdrawal agreement, stating it “attacked our forces on multiple fronts since yesterday morning.” The group warned that attacks on Raqqa might threaten security due to the city hosting thousands of ISIL detainees.

A meeting is scheduled between US envoy Tom Barrack and SDF leader Mazloum Abdi, as well as interim president al-Sharaa, in Damascus.

Source: Al Jazeera