Syrian army advances into Kurdish-held towns as accord frays

Syria's army seized several northern towns and dams, including Tabqa, displacing Kurdish forces after a stalled March 2025 integration deal; the Kurdish-led SDF said Damascus violated agreements and clashes followed.

Syria's army has moved into multiple northern towns and taken control of nearby dams and areas that had been under Kurdish administration for years. The advance followed a breakdown in implementing a March 2025 deal meant to integrate Kurdish forces into state institutions. The government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa had issued measures recognising Kurdish as a national language as part of accommodation efforts. Kurdish-led authorities say Syrian troops pushed beyond the agreed withdrawals and described the moves as a violation of recent arrangements. Key facts: - State media and government sources reported that Syrian forces took control of Tabqa, its adjacent dam, and the Freedom (formerly Baath) dam, and moved into other northern areas. - The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) withdrew from some positions and accused Damascus of violating the withdrawal agreement, saying the advance amounted to a betrayal. - The March 2025 integration deal intended to fold Kurdish military and civilian bodies into state institutions has stalled and was not implemented as planned. - International officials, including the head of US Central Command and leaders from France and Iraqi Kurdistan, called for de-escalation, and a US envoy travelled to Erbil to hold talks with Kurdish leaders. Summary: The government's advance has extended state control into parts of the north and reduced the autonomy Kurdish authorities have held for years, deepening tensions after stalled integration talks. Diplomatic efforts and calls for a ceasefire have been reported, and the next steps in negotiations or formal procedures are undetermined at this time.