The SDF's redeployment east of the Euphrates River was announced after deadly clashes the previous week and subsequent talks with U.S. officials. The ongoing conflict stems from a breakdown in an agreement between the SDF and the government of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who seeks to integrate Kurdish entities into Syrian institutions.
The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has involved numerous factions, including the Syrian government, Kurdish groups, and various rebel organizations, as well as international actors. The SDF, backed by the United States, has been a key player in the fight against ISIS in the region. Control of oil and gas resources is strategically important in the conflict, providing revenue and leverage for the controlling party.
In what was perceived as a goodwill gesture, President al-Sharaa announced on Friday that he would recognize Kurdish as a national language and declare the Kurdish New Year an official holiday. This decree marked the first formal recognition of Kurdish national rights since Syria's independence in 1946. However, the SDF subsequently announced its pullout east of the Euphrates River.
The current status of the Omar oil field and surrounding areas remains contested, with potential for further clashes between Syrian troops and Kurdish forces. The withdrawal of the SDF and the Syrian army's advance could have significant implications for the balance of power in the region and the future of Kurdish autonomy in Syria. Reuters contributed to this report.
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