Syrian Army Advances into Kurdish-Held Territories Amid Stalled Integration Efforts

Syrian government forces have taken control of significant areas in the country's north, displacing Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from territories they have governed autonomously for over a decade. State media reported on Saturday that the army captured the city of Tabqa and its adjacent dam, as well as the Freedom Dam west of Raqqa, despite calls from the United States to halt the advance.

This military progression follows the stagnation of a March 2025 agreement aimed at integrating Kurdish forces into the Syrian national army. The deal, intended to unify military and civilian institutions, has faced implementation challenges, leading to renewed hostilities.

In recent developments, Syrian troops have expelled Kurdish forces from two Aleppo neighborhoods and have advanced eastward, taking control of areas along the Euphrates River. The SDF accused the government of violating withdrawal agreements by pushing further into towns and oilfields not included in the original deal.

The United States has urged de-escalation, with Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the US Central Command, stating that Syrian troops should "cease any offensive actions" in contested areas. French President Emmanuel Macron and Iraqi Kurdistan leader Nechirvan Barzani have also called for a ceasefire.

The initial withdrawal agreement included the town of Deir Hafer and surrounding villages, predominantly Arab in population. Residents have expressed relief at the relatively peaceful transition, with one local stating, "There's been enough blood in this country, Syria. We have sacrificed and lost enough – people are tired of it."

The Syrian Petroleum Company announced that the Rasafa and Sufyan oilfields, now under government control, could be brought back online. However, the SDF has indicated intentions to defend the town of Tabqa and nearby oilfields, asserting that these areas were not part of the original withdrawal agreement.

Both sides have reported casualties, with the Syrian army stating that four of its troops were killed in attacks by Kurdish militants, while the SDF has acknowledged unspecified losses. US-led coalition aircraft have conducted overflights of the contested areas, releasing warning flares in an effort to prevent further escalation.

These developments underscore the fragile nature of the March 2025 integration agreement and highlight the ongoing challenges in achieving a unified and peaceful resolution to Syria's complex internal conflicts.