Syrian Army Captures Major Oil and Gas Fields in Intensified Offensive

Syrian Army Captures Key Oil and Gas Fields in Intensified Offensive

According to officials and security sources, the Syrian army has seized control of the country's largest oil field, Omar, and the Conoco natural gas field in the eastern province of Deir al-Zour. This significant move comes as Arab tribal forces advance towards oil-rich areas along the Iraqi border.

The captured fields, located east of the Euphrates River, were a primary source of revenue for Kurdish armed groups. The loss of these strategic assets is expected to deal a substantial blow to their operations. Syrian officials stated that the government had previously lost access to these vital resources due to Kurdish control.

Despite U.S. calls to halt their advance, Syrian forces continue to push into northeastern regions predominantly controlled by the Arab-majority and U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). A government source revealed that the Kurdish-led forces have been defeated in areas where Arab tribal fighters are advancing, allowing government troops and their allies to secure over 150 kilometers of territory east of the Euphrates River.

Late on Saturday, January 17, government forces also gained control of the northern city of Tabqa, its nearby dam, and the large Baath Dam west of Raqqa. Syrian Kurdish authorities have not yet acknowledged the loss of these key locations, and it remains unclear whether fighting is ongoing.

These developments mark a critical shift in the balance of power within Syria's conflict-ridden landscape.