Syrian army enters Tabqa as part of operations against terrorist organization SDF

The Syrian army continues its advance west of the Euphrates River in its operations against the terrorist organization PKK/YPG and its Syrian affiliate, the SDF. In a statement from the Syrian Army Operations Room, it was stated that military units had surrounded the city of Tabqa and entered the city from various directions. On the other hand, it was highlighted that terrorist elements have also increased their activities at the Tabqa Air Base. The statement said, "Army forces have begun entering the city of Tabqa from multiple axes. PKK terrorist militants continue to be stationed within the Tabqa Air Base."

Security forces have also declared a curfew in the Madan region, located southeast of Raqqa, and in nearby villages due to security measures. In another statement, it was reported that control of the Mansura and Zur Shamar regions in the Raqqa countryside has been completely taken over by the Syrian army. Furthermore, the Syrian press wrote that security forces have also entered the towns of Hneida and Safsafa, as well as the villages of Abu Assi and Al Jabali.

U.S. calls on Syrian army to end activities

The U.S., meanwhile, has called on the Syrian army to end its activities between the cities of Aleppo and Tabqa. In a statement released by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper, he said, "We welcome the ongoing efforts of all parties in Syria to prevent escalation and maintain a dialogue-based solution. We also call on Syrian government forces to cease their actions in areas between Aleppo and Tabqa. Aggressively pursuing the terrorist organization ISIS and applying relentless military pressure requires teamwork among Syrian partners in coordination with the U.S. and coalition forces. A Syria that is at peace within itself and with its neighbors is essential for peace and stability across the region."

Syrian Petroleum Company takes control of oil fields

On the other hand, the Syrian Petroleum Company (SPC) announced that it has taken over control of the Safyan and Al Rasafa oil fields, located in the Deir Hafer and Maskanah regions, which were cleared of SDF elements during the army's advance in the Raqqa countryside in recent hours, from security forces. The company reported that the step was taken as part of preparations to bring the fields back into service according to approved plans. The statement said, "This achievement is being carried out within the framework of national efforts to restore and secure oil facilities and to increase the stability of the energy sector."

Syrian army had launched operation west of the Euphrates

The Syrian army had launched an operation against the terrorist organization PKK/YPG and the SDF in the Deir Hafer region yesterday evening. Following the start of the operation, SDF ringleader Mazlum Abdi announced that the SDF would withdraw from its current contact lines east of Aleppo at 07:00 today and redeploy to areas east of the Euphrates. The Syrian army, meanwhile, began entering west of the Euphrates from Deir Hafer in the morning hours and, in the following hours, took control of Deir Hafer and Maskanah, from which the SDF had withdrawn.

Operation against the SDF

On January 13, the Syrian army declared the areas west of the Euphrates River under the occupation of the terrorist organization SDF as a "closed military zone" and called on all armed groups in the region to withdraw to the east of the Euphrates River. Deir Hafer and Maskanah on the west bank of the Euphrates River were among the closed military zones.

Last week, the army had cleared the Ashrafieh, Sheikh Maqsood, and Bani Zaid neighborhoods of the terrorist organization SDF in operations it carried out in Aleppo.

News Source: İHA