Magazine (Heute) reports: Islamic forces control the former capital of ISIS
Amid regional turmoil, the Islamic forces of the Syrian Federal Transitional Government launched a swift attack in northeastern Syria, advancing into areas that were under the control of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (Democratic Administration of North and East Syria). This advance represents a significant turning point in the course of the conflict.
The attack came after previous clashes in areas of Aleppo under Kurdish administration, led by the Syrian army loyal to Prime Minister Ahmad al-Shara, a former leader in al-Qaeda. Government forces quickly moved against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), forcing them to withdraw west of the Euphrates River under a U.S.-mediated withdrawal agreement.
By Sunday, government forces had taken control of the city of Tabqa, including the largest dam in Syria on the Euphrates River. Shortly thereafter, reports confirmed the fall of Raqqa, the former capital of ISIS. Videos showed crowds celebrating in the streets, waving Syrian flags and welcoming government forces as 'liberators,' while describing SDF forces as linked to the PKK.
The capture of Raqqa carries significant symbolism and high strategic risk. About 10,000 ISIS fighters and their families are currently held in camps like Al-Hol and Roj in the region. Observers fear that the continuation of fighting could lead to their release, a scenario that raises serious concerns for the United States and European countries that refuse to repatriate their detained citizens.
Fighting has also extended to the oil-rich Deir ez-Zor province, where reports indicate that government forces have regained control of key oil fields. These areas, which have a majority Arab population, were only under the control of the SDF after the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Local residents were seen publicly supporting the return of government forces.
The United States now finds itself in a complicated position. While it has supported the SDF forces for years in the war against ISIS, it is also supporting the new Syrian leadership in Damascus. U.S. Central Command leader General Ahmed Brad Cooper urged Syrian forces to halt their advance between Aleppo and Tabqa, warning of the widening instability.
The self-administered region led by the Kurds, known as Rojava, emerged during the civil war as a model of multi-ethnic governance after the defeat of ISIS with American air support. Since the overthrow of Assad in late 2024, concerns have risen regarding the safety of Kurds, Alawites, Druze, and other minorities under the new Islamic-oriented government.
These concerns are likely to escalate as Prime Minister Ahmad al-Shara prepares for his first official visit to Berlin, where he is scheduled to meet with German leaders including Friedrich Merz, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and Johann Wadephol. The fall of Raqqa may dominate diplomatic discussions, at a time when Syria's future is once again hanging in the balance.