Syrian army secures key district in Raqqa as militants surrender

The Syrian Arab Army has taken full control of the strategic al-Tabqah district in Raqqa province, marking a significant territorial gain for government forces in northern Syria. The advance follows the expulsion of YPG/SDF militants from the area, according to reports from Syrian state media early Sunday.

Military Consolidation and Reported Defections

The Syrian Army Operations Department stated that government forces secured the district and cleared it of militant presence. In a parallel development, the Media and Information Department of the Syrian Defense Ministry released figures indicating significant defections from the YPG/SDF ranks. Officials reported that 483 members of the group had contacted authorities to express their intent to surrender, with 181 individuals having already turned themselves in to security forces.

Broader Context of the Conflict

This military progress occurs despite previous claims by the YPG/SDF that it would withdraw its forces from occupied territories west of the Euphrates River to the eastern bank. Reports indicate that the group maintains its presence in several areas along the river, and clashes with Syrian government forces continue in regions where its occupation persists. The YPG/SDF still controls large portions of northeastern Syria, a situation that has been a persistent source of tension with the central government in Damascus over sovereignty and resources.

Implications for Territorial Control

The capture of al-Tabqah represents a tactical advancement for the Syrian Army in its efforts to reassert control over key territories. The reported wave of surrenders, if verified, could signal declining morale or cohesion within militant factions facing sustained military pressure. However, the overall conflict dynamics remain complex, with control fragmented across various actors in Syria’s northeast.