Syrian army seizes country's largest oil field from Kurdish forces

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete January 18, 2026 at 02:25 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Syrian troops have seized the Omar oil field, the country's largest, from Kurdish forces in north-eastern Syria, along with nearby gas fields. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) withdrew east of the Euphrates River following deadly clashes and talks with US officials. This occurred after the breakdown of an agreement between the SDF and the Syrian government, which seeks to integrate Kurdish bodies into Syrian institutions. The Syrian government has made some conciliatory gestures, such as recognizing Kurdish language and holidays. Syrian troops have also captured the strategic Tabqa dam. The SDF has been accused of destroying bridges on the Euphrates River. The US has attempted to broker a ceasefire between the two sides.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Bashar al-Assad 30% Aleppo 30% Raqqa 35% Islamic State group 40% United States ×250% Tabqa Dam ×260% Ahmed al-Sharaa ×260% Euphrates River ×470% Syrian Arab Army ×480% Omar Oil Field ×385% Syria ×590% Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) ×990%

Keywords

syrian army 90% kurdish forces 90% oil field 80% syria 80% syrian democratic forces 70% omar oil field 70% military conflict 60% euphrates river 60% us involvement 50% political integration 50%