Syria’s army is gaining ground in the country’s north, pushing Kurdish forces out of areas they controlled for years. Recently, state media announced the army has captured the northern city of Tabqa and the nearby Freedom Dam, despite U.S. requests to halt the advance.
This development follows a decree from President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who recently recognized Kurdish as a national language. His government seems increasingly determined to regain authority over Kurdish regions after a stalled attempt to integrate Kurdish forces into the state.
The Syrian army’s push began amid rising tensions over key regions and oil fields. As Syrian troops gathered near villages west of the Euphrates River, clashes broke out between them and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF made a show of good faith by retreating but accused the Syrian army of breaking agreements by moving into areas not covered by the deal.
Just recently, Kurdish forces reportedly blew up two bridges over the Euphrates in Raqqa, signaling escalating tensions. U.S. Central Command leader Brad Cooper urged Syrian troops to stop their offensive actions in this region. Both France’s President Emmanuel Macron and Iraq’s Kurdish leader Nechirvan Barzani, urged for peace and de-escalation.
Interestingly, a resident from the town of Deir Hafer noted the changes have come with minimal casualties. “We have lost enough – people are tired of it,” he said, highlighting the weariness with ongoing violence in the country.
The Syrian Petroleum Company has confirmed that they have regained control over key oilfields. As the SDF retreated eastward toward Tabqa, they expressed determination to defend the town, which is strategically significant due to its hydroelectric dam. Both sides have already traded accusations over breaches in the withdrawal agreements.
Recent statistics note that violence and sectarian conflicts remain high in Syria, with over 1,500 Alawites reportedly killed by government-aligned forces in 2025 alone. This rising sectarian violence has left many on edge, amplifying fears about future confrontations.
In the face of shifting alliances, U.S. policies in Syria continue to adapt. The balance between supporting the SDF, which fought against Islamic State, and backing the Syrian government under al-Sharaa complicates matters further. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack recently met with Kurdish leaders in Iraq to discuss ways to mitigate the conflict.
The situation remains fluid. Kurdish authorities still hold significant Arab-majority regions rich in oil and gas. Some local leaders have signaled readiness to fight alongside the Syrian army against Kurdish forces if ordered. With a history of mistrust and recent setbacks in peace talks, the road ahead looks rocky for both Kurdish and government forces.
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