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Syrian Troops Seize Key Oil Fields
18 Jan
Summary
- Syrian troops captured Omar oil field, the nation's largest.
- The Conoco gas field was also seized by allied Arab tribal forces.
- This loss significantly impacts Kurdish revenue streams.
Syrian government forces, supported by allied Arab tribal fighters, have successfully captured the Omar oil field, the largest in the country, and the Conoco gas field. These strategic assets are located in the eastern Deir Zor province, an oil-rich region bordering Iraq. The SDF-controlled territory east of the Euphrates River was the primary source of revenue for the Kurdish-led forces.
The Syrian army's advance into predominantly Arab-populated areas, controlled by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), proceeded despite US appeals to cease operations. Government sources indicated that the Kurdish-led forces were overcome by advances led by Arab tribal fighters. This allowed the government and its allies to secure a significant stretch of territory along the eastern bank of the Euphrates.
Earlier on Saturday, the army also took control of the northern city of Tabqa, its adjacent dam, and the Freedom Dam west of Raqqa. While Syrian Kurdish authorities have not officially confirmed the loss of these sites, it remains unclear if fighting is still ongoing in the region.
