• The Syrian army has captured the Al-Omar oilfield, the largest in Syria, following the withdrawal of Kurdish-led forces.
• This strategic move allows the government to expand its territorial control across northeastern Syria.
• Kurdish forces accused the government of breaching an agreement, while the government stated the Kurds failed to fully withdraw.

The recent advance of the Syrian army has led to the capture of the Al-Omar oilfield, which is considered Syria’s largest, after the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) withdrew from the region. This withdrawal occurred on Sunday as part of a shift in control following clashes that saw the government troops expanding their influence across the country’s north and east. The Syrian government announced the retaking of several critical areas, including the oilfields of Safyan and Al-Tharwa, as well as strategic locations in Aleppo and Raqqa provinces, according to Middle East Eye and South China Morning Post.

The Kurdish withdrawal comes amid accusations from both sides. The Kurdish authorities have blamed Syrian government forces for attacking their fighters on multiple fronts, while the government claimed the SDF did not honor its commitment to fully withdraw east of the Euphrates River. The situation escalated after President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a decree that recognized Kurdish rights and sought to integrate Kurdish bodies into Syrian institutions. Despite these gestures, the de facto autonomous Kurdish administration asserted that the government's actions were insufficient, suggesting stalled implementation of any agreements, according to BBC and Middle East Eye.

The recent military movements have significant implications for resource control in Syria, as the Al-Omar oilfield has historically been a vital source of revenue for the SDF since it gained control after the defeat of the Islamic State group in 2017. Observers note that over the weekend, Syrian forces continued their operations by capturing critical infrastructure, including the Tabqa dam, which is key for both electrical power and irrigation. According to reports, both government troops and local tribal fighters coordinated efforts in these recent territorial gains, as per South China Morning Post and BBC.

Furthermore, the ongoing conflict continues to evolve as Kurdish forces have accused the Syrian government of blowing up vital infrastructure, such as bridges along the Euphrates River. Protests erupted among Kurdish populations in response to the military actions, highlighting the prevailing tensions and the desire for representation and rights within a unified Syria. Residents in Kurdish-controlled areas have expressed fears about the future relationship with the Syrian government, indicating a complex and fragile situation in the region, according to Middle East Eye, South China Morning Post, and BBC.