Syrian Forces Capture Tabqa, Intensifying Offensive Against Kurdish SDF
Syrian government forces seized the strategic town of Tabqa on Sunday, advancing into territory held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This move follows recent clashes in Aleppo that resulted in 23 deaths and the displacement of tens of thousands. Tabqa's capture is significant due to its dam, which regulates water flow into SDF-controlled areas. The SDF has denied accusations from the Syrian government of executing prisoners during their withdrawal, asserting that detainees were relocated. The ongoing conflict reflects tensions over a March agreement aimed at reintegrating northeastern Syria into the Syrian state. The SDF, a key US ally in the fight against ISIS, controls large areas of northeastern Syria, while the Syrian government continues to push into predominantly Arab regions in Raqqa province.
Published 1 day ago • 18 Jan 2026, 04:42 PM IST