Syrian forces have seized control of key oil and gas fields in eastern Syria, marking a significant shift in the region's dynamics. This move comes as a response to the withdrawal of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the advance of allied Arab tribal forces. The Omar oil field, the country's largest, and the Conoco gas field in the Deir Zor province have fallen into the hands of Syrian troops, dealing a major blow to the U.S.-backed Kurdish-led forces. The control of these oil-rich areas, located east of the Euphrates River, is a strategic move that could impact the region's economy and political landscape. The Syrian government emphasizes the loss of oil wealth, which was crucial for the self-administered region's sustainability, as a significant setback. President Ahmed al-Sharaa has expressed strong disapproval of the militia's control over a quarter of the country and its main resources. The Syrian army's advance into predominantly Arab-populated areas, despite U.S. calls to halt, has led to a complex situation. The government and its tribal allies have secured a stretch of territory along the eastern bank of the Euphrates, effectively bringing most of the oil- and wheat-producing Deir al-Zor province under their control. The capture of the Tabqa city and its dam further solidifies the government's grip on strategic sites. However, the Syrian Kurdish authorities dispute the loss, claiming ongoing fighting near the dam area and accusing Damascus of breaching agreements. The situation is tense, with the SDF urging residents to resist, while the government calls for defections from SDF fighters, many of whom are from Arab tribes. The conflict highlights the marginalization of Arab tribal leaders under Kurdish leadership, a claim the SDF refutes. This complex power struggle raises questions about the future of Syria's diverse regions and the potential for further conflict.
