The ongoing conflict in Syria highlights the complexities of regional power dynamics as Syrian troops escalate their operations in Kurdish-held territory, further straining relations with Kurdish forces. The U.S. has called for an immediate halt to the Syrian advance amid concerns over the implications for regional stability and the implications for the Kurdish population, who have played a pivotal role in the fight against extremism. This latest development underscores the challenges of navigating the multilayered alliances and rivalries within a war-torn nation grappling with its identity and governance.
The United States has urged Syrian troops to cease their offensive actions in Kurdish-held territory in northern Syria, as clashes with Kurdish-led forces intensify over strategic posts and oilfields along the Euphrates River. The call for restraint by U.S. officials follows a rapid advance of Syrian troops, which commenced on Saturday after the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced their intention to retreat east of the river. This strategic shift occurred in the aftermath of recent hostilities in Aleppo and surrounding areas, highlighting the delicate balance of power amid stalled plans to integrate the SDF into the Syrian state.
Brad Cooper, head of the U.S. military’s Central Command (CENTCOM), expressed in a statement that Syrian forces should avoid all offensive maneuvers in areas between Aleppo and Tabqa, located approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles) east in Raqqa governorate. Meanwhile, the Syrian Army Operations Command reported its troops had entered the strategic town of Tabqa, which lies near a military airbase and dam. However, the SDF contested this claim, asserting that their forces remained firmly entrenched in the area.
The SDF had previously announced a withdrawal from key towns such as Deir Hafer and Maksana, predominantly Arab locations. However, following the Syrian Army’s declaration of control over these areas, accusations of violations surfaced on both sides. The SDF claimed that Damascus had breached the withdrawal agreement by entering the towns prematurely, while the Syrian Army accused the SDF of targeting its patrols during the retreat.
As Syrian troops advanced into the Raqqa countryside, reports indicated expansions into Kurdish-controlled towns, leading to the imposition of curfews in specific areas. The SDF emphasized its commitment to defending Tabqa and the nearby oilfields. Additionally, ongoing shelling in Raqqa governorate signals a detrimental escalation of hostilities. Analysts note that the significant influx of weapons and ammunition underscores the intensity of these confrontations.
In the broader geopolitical narrative, the U.S. faces a recalibration of its Syria policy amid ongoing support for the SDF, which has been instrumental in combating ISIL (ISIS). The U.S. now must also balance its relationship with the newly installed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose government represents a shift in the nation’s political landscape following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024.
U.S. envoy Tom Barrack recently visited Erbil in the Kurdish region of Iraq to engage with Kurdish leaders about the evolving situation. In a sign of potential rapprochement, Kurdish authorities welcomed a recent decree recognizing the Kurdish language and seeking to restore citizenship rights to Kurdish Syrians. However, the successful integration of tens of thousands of heavily armed SDF fighters into the Syrian Army remains an unresolved issue, crucial for achieving stability and peace in the region, despite previous promises of such integration that have yet to materialize.
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