Syrian army advances on SDF stronghold of Raqqa: What’s the latest?

Al JazeeraCenterEN 6 min read 100% complete January 18, 2026 at 02:15 PM

AI Summary

long article 6 min

In January 2026, the Syrian army launched an offensive towards Raqqa, a stronghold of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Government forces captured the strategic city of Tabqa and its military airport, along with the Euphrates Dam, approximately 50km west of Raqqa city. Fighting between the Syrian army and SDF forces had previously erupted in Aleppo after integration talks stalled. Allied tribal fighters have also reportedly seized oil and gas fields in the northeast, including Jafra and Conoco. The Syrian Petroleum Company stated that Syrian forces seized the Rasafa and Sufyan oilfields in Raqqa. The Syrian army's advance raises concerns about escalating conflict in northern Syria.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Iraq 30% Deir Az Zor 35% Aleppo ×240% Raqqa Governorate ×245% United States 50% Euphrates Dam ×265% Tabqa ×370% Syria ×675% Raqqa ×780% Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) ×685% Syrian Army ×690%

Keywords

syrian army 90% sdf 80% raqqa 80% tabqa 70% conflict in syria 70% euphrates dam 60% military offensive 60% kurdish forces 60% government forces 50% oilfields 50%