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 Al-Tabqa Military Airport from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as part of their ongoing advances in northeastern Syria. Simultaneously, reports indicate that government troops have taken control of the Al-Mansoura Dam (formerly the Ba’ath Dam) and the towns of Ratla and Al-Hamam in Raqqa’s outskirts.
The SDF, however, claims its forces are engaged in heavy fighting against Syrian government troops in Al-Mansoura town near Raqqa, accusing Damascus of committing atrocities at Al-Kanisa Prison in Al-Tabqa. Meanwhile, the Syrian government alleges that SDF and PKK forces executed prisoners, including civilians, before retreating from Al-Tabqa, calling these acts “full-fledged crimes” that violate international law.
Reuters reported, citing security sources, that Syrian forces have gained control over the Al-Omar oil field – Syria’s largest – and the Koniko gas field in eastern Syria. The Syrian Oil Company confirmed government control over oil and gas fields in Deir ez-Zor province, including Al-Tanak, Koniko, Al-Jafra, Al-Aziziyah, Tayyana, Jidu, Malih, and Azraq.
These developments come as US Central Command (CENTCOM) had called on Syria to halt operations between eastern Aleppo countryside and western Raqqa, emphasizing the need for dialogue and focus on fighting ISIS. However, field evidence shows Damascus has intensified its campaign to retake areas west of the Euphrates despite these warnings.
Reports from Raqqa describe a humanitarian crisis, with the official SANA news agency reporting that SDF forces destroyed the “Old Bridge” over the Euphrates before retreating, severing main water pipelines and cutting off drinking water to all Raqqa neighborhoods. The Syrian Army also claims 64 SDF fighters surrendered after being besieged in Al-Mansoura.
Sky News reported that Raqqa faces a humanitarian emergency with complete water cutoff as clashes intensify. Meanwhile, SDF drone and mortar attacks on residential areas in Deir ez-Zor and heavy exchanges of fire near Raqqa continue. A Damascus-affiliated official stated Syrian forces have expelled SDF from west of the Euphrates, expanding government control.
Media sources report new rounds of heavy clashes between SDF and Syrian government forces in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor countrysides. The SDF media center announced intense fighting at the Al-Thawra oil field south of Al-Tabqa, noting this area was previously outside agreed-upon zones. Conflict has also spread to border areas between Aleppo and Raqqa provinces, with heavy fighting reported near the strategic historic city of Al-Rusafa.
