Syrian Army Reaches Gates of Raqqa and Secures Tabqa Dam as YPG Retreats

According to information received from Syrian Army field command, military units have reached a point just 5 kilometers from the entrance of Raqqa city center, west of the Euphrates River.

The operation, which intensified on the evening of January 16 following the declaration of YPG-held areas west of the Euphrates as military zones on January 13, resulted in the army securing control over Deyr Hafir and Meskene. Advancing through Meskene, the army captured the Dibsi Afnan region at the southwestern edge of Raqqa province and began fortifying its positions surrounding the province. The Syrian Army also announced full control over the Jirah Military Airbase and the Al-Mansoura Dam west of Raqqa.

Tribal Forces and US Withdrawal Concurrently, in Deir ez-Zor, the Omar Oil Field and Conoco Gas Field came under the control of local tribal forces. A security vacuum had emerged in these areas following the withdrawal of US forces, who had previously used these sites as bases. Tribal forces have reportedly made gains against the organization east of the Euphrates, seizing control of several villages and towns including Shahil, Hawayej, Ziban, Tayyana, Abu Hamam, Hatla, Garanij, Baghouz, Susah, and Shafe.

Tabqa Liberation and War Crimes Accusations The Syrian Army announced the liberation of the city of Tabqa and the strategic Tabqa Dam from YPG occupation. However, the Syrian government reported that YPG/SDF forces executed prisoners held in jails before withdrawing. The government condemned this act as a war crime violating international law and the Geneva Conventions, urging the international community to react. It was also reported that retreating forces destroyed the “Old Bridge” and the main water line supplying Raqqa.

In the Mansoura region near Tabqa, 64 YPG/SDF members who were besieged by the Syrian Army surrendered to security forces.

Diplomatic and Economic Developments The Syrian Foreign Ministry stated that operations would cease once the YPG accepts the implementation of the “March 10 Agreement,” inviting the group to be partners in its implementation. The Ministry also noted coordination with the US administration regarding counter-ISIS measures and security control.

Syrian Energy Minister Muhammed al-Bashir announced that the recovery of vital areas west of the Euphrates allowed the state to resume control over strategic facilities. The Syrian Oil Company has begun work to reactivate the Rasafa and Safyan oil fields. Additionally, the Ministry of Energy confirmed that main water pumping stations in the Aleppo countryside, specifically the Al-Babiri station, have been reorganized. This station supplies drinking water to approximately 6 million people in Aleppo and irrigates 72,000 hectares of agricultural land.

The Syrian government is continuing its efforts to restore security and public services following the end of the Baathist regime led by Bashar al-Assad on December 8, 2024.