The Syrian Army has reportedly gained control of the strategic city of Al-Shuhail in the Deir ez-Zor province, eastern Syria. This comes amid heightened security tensions, leading the Deir ez-Zor governorate to suspend operations in all public institutions and government offices for the safety of residents.
According to security sources, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have withdrawn from the Al-Omar and Al-Tanak oil fields in the eastern Deir ez-Zor countryside. Subsequent reports indicate that the Syrian Army has also seized control of the Koniko gas field in the same region.
In a related development, the SDF has allegedly detonated two key bridges in Raqqa. Reports from the Raqqa governorate indicate that the Al-Rashid bridge was destroyed, following the earlier destruction of the Old Bridge over the Euphrates River in the same city.
These events unfold after the Syrian Army announced full control of the Al-Tabqa military airport and a push towards the city of Raqqa.
A military source stated that the Syrian Army, supported by tribal groups, has launched an operation against SDF positions east of the Euphrates River in Deir ez-Zor, with reinforcements being deployed to the province. Artillery shelling has reportedly targeted SDF positions in the eastern Deir ez-Zor countryside.
The Governor of Deir ez-Zor, Ghassan Sayed Ahmed, accused the SDF of indiscriminate attacks, alleging that they are firing rockets at residential neighborhoods in Deir ez-Zor city center, Al-Mayadin, and other government-controlled areas. He asserted that these actions would not go unpunished, claiming that the SDF’s attacks coincide with tribal uprisings demanding Syrian unity and the return of their sons to their homeland.
Amidst the escalating situation, the administration of Al-Furat University in Deir ez-Zor has announced the suspension of practical exams in all university faculties until further notice, prioritizing the safety of students in light of the evolving events in the region. The governorate had previously reported that SDF shelling had targeted densely populated civilian areas in the city.
The situation remains fluid as both sides engage in active combat.
