Syrian army surges into Kurdish-held towns in ‘betrayal’ shattering prospects of accord
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- Syria’s army has regained control over significant northern territories, including the city of Tabqa and major dams, displacing Kurdish forces who had maintained autonomy for over a decade despite US calls to halt the advance.
- The military offensive follows a stalled March 2025 deal aimed at integrating Kurdish forces into the Syrian state, leading to clashes over strategic locations and oilfields along the Euphrates River.
- Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) accused the Syrian government of violating withdrawal agreements after withdrawing from some areas, resulting in renewed fighting and destruction of key bridges in the Raqqa region.
- International actors including the US, France, and Iraqi Kurdish leaders have called for de-escalation and ceasefire, while the US is
