Syrian Army Advances Into Kurdish-Held Areas Amid Rising Tensions and U.S. Warnings

The Syrian army continued its advance into Kurdish-held territory in northern Syria on Saturday, escalating tensions despite U.S. calls to halt offensive operations. State media reported that government forces had taken control of the strategic city of Tabqa, its adjacent dam, and the Freedom Dam—formerly known as the Baath Dam—west of Raqqa. These locations are vital due to their proximity to key oilfields and hydroelectric infrastructure along the Euphrates River.

Syrian Kurdish authorities have not officially confirmed the loss of these positions, and it remains unclear whether fighting is ongoing in some areas. For several days, Syrian troops had mobilized around villages west of the Euphrates, urging the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to withdraw to the eastern bank. Clashes erupted over control of strategic military posts and oilfields, underscoring the economic and political stakes of the conflict.

The SDF said it withdrew from certain areas early Saturday as a goodwill gesture under an initial agreement that included Arab-majority towns such as Deir Hafer. Syrian troops entered these areas with little resistance, and local residents reportedly welcomed their arrival, expressing fatigue after years of conflict. However, the SDF later accused Syrian forces of violating the deal by advancing further east into towns and oilfields not covered by the agreement.

U.S. Central Command chief Brad Cooper urged Syrian troops to cease offensive actions between Aleppo and Tabqa, while coalition aircraft reportedly flew over contested towns, releasing warning flares. The Syrian Petroleum Company announced that oilfields near Rasafa and Sufyan had been captured and could be brought back online, although major oilfields remain under Kurdish control.

The fighting highlights the fragile balance in Syria following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024 and the rise of President Ahmed al-Sharaa. While Damascus has pledged to reunify the country, Kurdish authorities remain wary, especially after stalled integration talks and recent sectarian violence. With Arab tribal leaders signaling readiness to take up arms, the situation in northern and eastern Syria remains volatile, raising concerns of broader instability.