Syrian army advances on SDF stronghold of Raqqa: What’s the latest?
Al Jazeera • • nation
Key Points:
- The Syrian army has made rapid advances towards Raqqa, capturing the strategic city of Tabqa, its military airport, and the Euphrates Dam after heavy fighting with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), signaling a significant shift in control of northeastern Syria.
- Government forces and allied tribal fighters have also seized major oil and gas fields in Raqqa and Deir Az Zor provinces, potentially restoring production in these key energy areas, while the SDF has accused the government of violating withdrawal agreements and warned of security risks due to thousands of ISIS detainees in Raqqa.
- The renewed conflict follows stalled negotiations to integrate the SDF into Syria’s national army, despite a March agreement aiming for unity and Kurdish rights recognition; fighting has intensified
