Summary
The United States is asking Syrian troops to stop moving into Kurdish-controlled areas in north Syria, where there have been fights over key locations and oilfields. Syrian troops moved into these areas on Saturday after Kurdish-led forces agreed to pull back east of the Euphrates River. The situation remains tense as both sides accuse each other of breaking agreements.
Key Facts
- Syrian troops advanced into Kurdish-held areas after the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) decided to retreat east of the Euphrates River.
- The U.S. military's Central Command asked Syrian forces to stop offensive actions in these areas.
- The Syrian army claimed control of important towns and villages, including Tabqa, but the SDF disputed this.
- The SDF had agreed to leave the towns of Deir Hafer and Maksana; however, accusations were made by both sides about violations of the withdrawal agreement.
- The SDF and Syrian army accused each other of betrayal and breaking agreements.
- There were reports of skirmishes and artillery fire in the Raqqa governorate.
- There is ongoing conflict over control of oilfields that the SDF had managed.
- The U.S. is adjusting its Syria policy to navigate its past support for the SDF and the current Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
