The United States has urged Syrian troops to halt their advance in northern Syria as clashes intensify with Kurdish-led forces over strategic towns and oilfields along the Euphrates River.

The rapid military movements come amid disputed withdrawal agreements between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

On Saturday, Syrian troops moved into towns and oil-rich areas east of Aleppo, including Deir Hafer, Maksana, and surrounding villages. The army claimed to have entered Tabqa, near a dam and military airbase, though the SDF denied losing control of the town.

The Kurdish-led SDF said Syrian forces violated the withdrawal deal, entering towns before SDF fighters could fully retreat. Heavy clashes and artillery shelling were reported in parts of Raqqa, as both sides vie for control of key oilfields and strategic positions.

US urges de-escalation

Brad Cooper, head of the US military’s Central Command, posted on X urging Syrian forces to “cease any offensive actions” between Aleppo and Tabqa. The US seeks to prevent further escalation amid ongoing disputes over SDF integration into the Syrian state.

US envoy Tom Barrack visited Erbil in northern Iraq to discuss tensions with Kurdish authorities, including Abdi and Masoud Barzani. Washington also welcomed a decree formally recognising the Kurdish language and restoring citizenship to Kurdish Syrians, though implementation into law remains pending.

Background

The SDF had agreed to withdraw east of the Euphrates after clashes in Aleppo, but disputes over implementation and territorial claims have reignited hostilities. Tabqa and surrounding oilfields remain particularly contested.

The United States faces a delicate balancing act: supporting Kurdish forces that helped fight ISIL while recognising the new Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Integrating tens of thousands of armed SDF fighters into the Syrian Army remains a key unresolved issue.