• Syrian government forces have captured the strategic city of Tabqa from Kurdish-led SDF.
• The U.S. has expressed concerns over intensified clashes in northern Syria amid rising tensions.
• President Ahmad al-Sharaa signed a decree recognizing Kurdish rights, but tensions remain high.
• At least 24 civilians have died in recent fighting, prompting thousands to flee.
• Local residents welcomed Syrian troops as they entered Raqqa city, indicating a shift in local sentiments.

The Syrian government forces have made significant advances into Kurdish-held territories, capturing the strategically vital town of Tabqa and military airport in Raqqa province. This military push follows escalating tensions between Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which have surged since the beginning of January 2026. U.S. officials have raised alarms about the potential for a broader conflict, which could jeopardize the ongoing efforts to contain the resurgence of ISIS in the region, according to India Times and Al Jazeera.

The capture of Tabqa is not only significant due to its military airport but also because of the Euphrates Dam, which plays a crucial role in controlling water distribution in the region. Government forces have reported taking control of vital oil fields in Raqqa, as they continue to push towards Raqqa city, historically a stronghold for the SDF since they defeated ISIS in 2017. Clashes have resulted in civilian casualties, with at least 24 reported dead over recent days, according to Los Angeles Times and India Times.

As government troops entered Raqqa, many local residents were seen welcoming them, carrying the national flag. This change in local sentiment highlights a significant shift, particularly as previous tensions between Arab communities and Kurdish forces had exacerbated under the SDF's control. Adnan al-Bana, a local resident, expressed overwhelming weariness of conflict, emphasizing, “We have sacrificed and lost enough. People are tired of it,” according to reports from Al Jazeera and Los Angeles Times.

The conflict has intensified following a breakdown of negotiations between the SDF and the new Syrian administration aimed at reintegrating the Kurdish-led forces into the national army. President Ahmad al-Sharaa had recently signed a decree recognizing Kurdish rights, including the establishment of Kurdish as a national language. However, this attempt to ease ethnic tensions has not halted the unfolding violence, as accusations of war crimes and failed agreements plague the fragile peace, as noted by India Times and Los Angeles Times.

Compounding the situation, the U.S. has been actively engaged in mediating between the two sides, expressing concern over the impact of the clashes on their strategic interests in combating ISIS. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, urged the Syrian government to halt its offensive actions, emphasizing the need for cooperation in addressing ongoing security threats from ISIS. U.S. officials fear that continued hostilities could potentially upset the delicate balance required for a stable governance framework in Syria, according to Al Jazeera and Los Angeles Times.