Syrian Government Consolidates Control as Kurdish Forces Withdraw from Key Regions

Syrian government troops tightened their control over large parts of northern and eastern Syria on Monday after Kurdish-led forces abruptly withdrew, marking a major shift in the country’s balance of power. The pullback by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has significantly strengthened President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s authority following months of political deadlock and sporadic fighting.

The withdrawal came a day after the SDF, once the main U.S. ally in Syria, agreed under a ceasefire to leave extensive territories it had governed for years. Despite the agreement, clashes were reported, particularly around detention facilities holding Islamic State (IS) militants. The Syrian army accused the SDF of releasing IS detainees after losing control of a prison in the eastern city of Shaddadi, while the SDF said the prison fell following an attack by government forces. Damascus denied attacking the facility but confirmed it had moved to secure the prison and recapture escapees.

The Shaddadi prison was believed to hold thousands of IS militants, though the number who fled remains unclear. Similar tensions were reported near prisons in Raqqa, another flashpoint as government forces deployed across the city and nearby oil and gas facilities in Deir al-Zor.

The SDF’s withdrawal from Raqqa and Deir al-Zor represents the most dramatic change in Syria’s territorial map since Islamist forces led by Sharaa overthrew former president Bashar al-Assad in 2024. These provinces, rich in oil resources, had been under Kurdish control since the fight against IS, backed by U.S. troops.

Turkey welcomed the agreement, urging the swift integration of Kurdish fighters into Syria’s armed forces. However, disagreements persist. Kurdish leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the deal, which requires SDF fighters to integrate as individuals rather than intact units. A reported meeting between Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi failed to resolve these issues.

The SDF still controls much of Hasakah province, including Qamishli, but under the agreement would eventually hand over prisons, border crossings, and energy assets. The United States has been involved in mediation and reaffirmed cooperation with Damascus against IS, emphasizing the protection of Kurdish rights within the Syrian state.

As government forces continue deploying across reclaimed territories, Syria enters a new phase marked by shifting alliances, unresolved tensions, and uncertainty over the future role of Kurdish forces.