Syrian government forces advanced into Kurdish-held areas in northern Syria, capturing several towns and the strategic Tabqa military airport in Raqqa province. This move follows weeks of heightened tensions and heavy fighting between government troops and Kurdish-led forces, disrupting a fragile political arrangement intended to restore central authority. Recent efforts to integrate Kurdish military and civilian bodies into the Syrian state have stalled, and renewed clashes have raised concerns internationally, especially in the United States, about the potential for wider conflict and the resurgence of extremist groups.

The escalation began after Kurdish fighters withdrew from positions east of Aleppo, following a decree by President Ahmad al-Sharaa aimed at easing tensions. However, both sides quickly accused each other of violating the agreement, leading to widespread clashes across several towns and villages. The fighting has resulted in at least 24 civilian deaths and forced thousands to flee, marking some of the deadliest violence since the end of Syria's civil war in December 2024.