Syrian Army Gains Control Over Key Oil Fields Amid Heavy Clashes with SDF in Western Euphrates
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the Syrian Army announced on Sunday that its forces have fully recaptured the Tabaqa Military Airport from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as part of their continued advances in northeastern Syria. Simultaneously, reports indicate that government troops have taken control of the Al-Mansoura Dam (formerly the Baath Dam) and the towns of Ratla and Al-Hamam in Raqqa’s outskirts.
The SDF, however, claims its forces are engaged in fierce combat against Syrian government troops in Al-Mansoura town near Raqqa, accusing Damascus of committing atrocities at the Al-Kanisa prison in Tabaqa. In response, the Syrian government alleges that SDF and PKK forces executed prisoners, including civilians, in Tabaqa before retreating, labeling these acts as full-fledged crimes under international law.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported that Syrian forces have secured control over the Al-Omar oil field, Syria’s largest, and the Conico gas field in eastern Syria. The Syrian Oil Company confirmed the military’s takeover of oil and gas fields in Deir ez-Zor province, including Al-Tanak, Conico, Al-Jafra, Al-Aziziyah, Tayyana, Jidu, Malih, and Azraq.
These developments come as U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) urged Syria to halt operations between eastern Aleppo and western Raqqa, emphasizing dialogue and the fight against ISIS. However, field evidence suggests Damascus has intensified its campaign west of the Euphrates despite these warnings.
Raqqa faces a humanitarian crisis, with SANA reporting that SDF forces destroyed the Old Bridge” over the Euphrates before retreating, severing water supply lines across the city. Syrian military sources also report 64 SDF fighters surrendered in Al-Mansoura after being surrounded.
Sky News reports escalating clashes have left Raqqa without running water, while drone and mortar attacks target residential areas in Deir ez-Zor. A pro-Damascus source stated Syrian forces have expelled SDF from west Euphrates, expanding government control. Media reports indicate heavy exchanges between SDF and Syrian Army-affiliated groups in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor, with new fronts opening near the historic Rusafa town.
