Summary
Syrian government forces have taken control of key oil and gas fields in Deir Az Zor and Raqqa governorates. This move aims to unify the country and aid economic recovery by integrating previously controlled areas by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into state structures.
Key Facts
- Syrian government forces seized the al-Omar oilfield, Conoco gas complex, and the Tabqa Dam.
- These areas were previously controlled by the Kurdish-led SDF.
- Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced a deal with the SDF to allow state control in the regions.
- Oil and gas once contributed nearly 20% of Syria's GDP before the conflict began in 2011.
- Reclaiming these resources is crucial for Syria's economic recovery and unification.
- A March 2025 agreement between SDF's Mazloum Abdi and President al-Sharaa aimed to integrate the group into state structures.
- In November, President al-Sharaa met with U.S. President Donald Trump to strengthen Syria's role against ISIL.
