Shelling on the outskirts of Raqqa: Syrian army advancing eastward amid SDF withdrawal

Key Concepts

• Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF): A Kurdish-led militia group that controlled territory in northern Syria, primarily supported by the United States.
• Syrian Government Troops: Forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, aiming to regain control of all Syrian territory.
• Hafair/Derhafir: A town in northern Syria recently taken over by Syrian government forces from the SDF.
• Trust Gap: The significant lack of trust between Arab and Kurdish communities in Syria, hindering reconciliation.
• Unification: The Syrian government’s objective to reassert control over the entire country, even through military means.

Syrian Government Reclaims Territory in Northern Syria: A Shift in Control

The video report details the recent Syrian government takeover of the town of Derhafir (also referred to as Hafair) and surrounding areas from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Despite ongoing conflict elsewhere in Syria, residents of Derhafir celebrated the arrival of Syrian government troops, marking the first time the Syrian government, under interim president Ahmed al-Shar, has held control of the town. This celebration, however, is tempered by an acknowledgement of the continued instability and the long road to a unified Syria.

Local Reactions and the Path to Reconciliation

Residents expressed optimism about “liberation,” but also recognized the fragility of the situation. A local elder emphasized the need to move beyond “ideas of conflict and revenge” and embrace “togetherness and crucially tolerance.” This sentiment highlights the complex challenge of rebuilding trust within a deeply divided community. The report illustrates this division with the visual of residents deliberately stepping on SDF flags, demonstrating a clear lack of trust and potentially hindering reconciliation efforts. A local resident stated, “There will be peaceful solutions. We have been living as Arabs, Kurds, and Christians all together, and we will live in peace again. I tell the world just to wait 2 years for us and see how successful we will be.” This statement reflects a hopeful outlook, but also acknowledges the time needed for lasting peace.

US Role and SDF Withdrawal

The report notes the previous support provided by US forces to the SDF during the Syrian Civil War and against ISIL. However, even a symbolic flyover by American jets, accompanied by the firing of flares, was insufficient to maintain morale amongst the residents. This suggests a perceived abandonment of the SDF by its key ally, contributing to the swift shift in control. The return of those who fled the fighting is underway, but this presents a “security nightmare” for the Syrian military, indicating ongoing instability.

Military Advance and Strategic Implications

The Syrian government’s advance was described as “rapid and unexpected,” yet the “volume of men and weapons” suggests a pre-planned operation. Syrian forces quickly reclaimed Hafa Muscana and surrounding areas, then moved towards Aleppo and into Raqqa, aiming to pressure the next SDF stronghold. This swift movement involved the implementation of curfews and the establishment of new battle lines, demonstrating a clear and determined strategy. The report emphasizes that this represents the Syrian government’s determination to unify the country, “if not through dialogue than through military force,” with the ultimate goal of flying “one flag” over all of Syria.

Geographic Context and Reporting Location

The report was filed from Zenbasi Alazer Derha, northern Syria, providing on-the-ground coverage of the evolving situation. The concluding call to action encourages viewers to subscribe to Alazer for “reliable news and expert insights.”

Conclusion

The Syrian government’s recent gains in northern Syria represent a significant shift in the power dynamic. While celebrated by some residents as liberation, the situation remains precarious, marked by a deep-seated trust gap between communities and ongoing conflict in neighboring areas. The government’s military strategy underscores its commitment to reunification, even if achieved through force, and highlights the complex challenges of rebuilding a diverse and divided nation.