Syrian Army Reclaims Northeast in Major Shift of Power

Syrian government forces are rapidly advancing into the country's northeast, seizing towns, oil fields, and strategic cities long held by Kurdish-led forces. This large-scale military operation, following a withdrawal of U.S. support, marks the most significant shift in territorial control in Syria in years and aims to end a decade of Kurdish autonomy [54416][54796].

The advance began after the United States signaled an end to its backing for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the main Western ally in the fight against the Islamic State group [54732][52760]. With their primary international partner stepping back, the SDF has withdrawn from numerous positions, allowing Syrian troops to move in, often without direct combat [52375][52437].

In a matter of days, the Syrian Army has entered key northern towns like Deir Hafer and Maskana, expanded its presence near Aleppo, and taken control of the nation's largest oil field at Al-Omar [52375][52437][52963]. Government forces are now on the outskirts of Hasakah, a major urban center, and have entered the strategic city of Tabqa [53952][52771].

Damascus has coupled its military push with political demands. The government announced a ceasefire, giving the SDF a four-day ultimatum to agree to disband and integrate its fighters directly into the Syrian Army and state security forces [54732][53149]. This move would forcefully end the self-rule administration Kurdish groups established in northeast Syria during the country's civil war [54796][52760].

While some Kurdish officials have withdrawn to avoid bloodshed, others are vowing resistance and warning of a potential turn to guerrilla warfare if the advance continues [54416][53155]. Local administrations in Kurdish-majority cities have declared a state of mobilization [53749].

The operation reasserts central government control over Syria's most resource-rich region and challenges the autonomy Kurdish groups secured after 2011. Analysts describe the confrontation as a fundamental clash over the country's future governance [54796].