Sun Jan 18 13:12:35 UTC 2026: ### Syrian Government Extends Control Over Key Territories as Kurdish Forces Withdraw

The Story:
On Sunday, January 18, 2026, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) withdrew from Syria’s largest oil field, Al-Omar, and other areas in the Deir Ezzor and Raqa provinces, ceding control to government troops. This move comes after President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a decree granting the Kurds official recognition, an apparent goodwill gesture intended to unify the nation, even as his Islamist government seeks to assert authority after the 2024 ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The government push has secured Arab-majority areas, including key oil fields and the Euphrates Dam, previously controlled by the Kurds during the fight against ISIS.

Key Points:

  • Kurdish-led SDF withdrew from the Al-Omar oil field, Syria’s largest, and other areas in Deir Ezzor and Raqa.
  • The withdrawal occurred as government troops, aided by local tribes, advanced in coordination.
  • The government seized control of oil fields, including Safyan and Al-Tharwa, and the Euphrates Dam.
  • President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a decree recognizing the Kurds, while simultaneously asserting government authority.
  • The U.S. Central Command urged government forces to cease offensive actions.
  • Turkey supports Syria’s operation, while imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan views it as a sabotage attempt.
  • Clashes occurred between the SDF and government forces, with each side accusing the other of violating agreements.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Syrian government is consolidating control over strategic territories, particularly those rich in resources.
  • The relationship between the Syrian government and Kurdish forces remains complex and unstable, despite apparent attempts at reconciliation.
  • The involvement of external actors like the U.S. and Turkey adds layers of complexity to the Syrian conflict.
  • The swift territorial gains by the Syrian government suggest a coordinated strategy and possibly pre-existing agreements with local tribes.

Impact Analysis:

  • The Syrian government gaining control of the Al-Omar oil field and the Euphrates Dam significantly strengthens its economic and political position. Reclaiming control of the area’s resources is touted to open “the door wide for reconstruction, revitalising agriculture, energy and trade”.
  • The withdrawal of the SDF and the integration of local tribes with government forces could lead to long-term shifts in regional power dynamics. However, the demonstration in Qamishli show that some within the Kurdish population still aspire to true democracy.
  • The U.S. support for both the Kurdish forces and the Syrian government creates a precarious situation, potentially impacting future U.S. involvement in the region.

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