Syria Pushes Towards Unification Amid Power Struggles Over Infrastructure

Syrian Government Seizes Control of Key Oil and Gas Fields

In Deir Az Zor governorate, Syrian government forces have taken control of the al-Omar oilfield, the Conoco gas complex, and the Tabqa Dam in Raqqa governorate. The operation was announced on Saturday, marking a significant development in the country’s ongoing conflict.

The seizure of these key areas has implications for Syria’s political economy, social contract, and fragile agreements between state and citizen. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which previously controlled the regions, have acknowledged the situation they face.

According to President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a deal has been reached with the SDF, allowing state institutions to enter the eastern and northeastern governorates of Hasakah, Deir Az Zor, and Raqqa. This agreement marks a significant step towards unifying Syria under one government.

The oil and gas fields in eastern Syria have long been crucial to the country’s economy, accounting for nearly 20 percent of its gross domestic product before the conflict began in 2011. The seizure of these fields is seen as essential for fiscal recovery, as they were previously exploited by armed groups and redirected to support local militias.

Experts note that controlling natural resources alone is not enough to help Syria recover, but it is a step in the right direction. Radwan Ziadeh, senior fellow at the Arab Center Washington DC, stated that oil- and gasfields require significant international investment to unlock their full potential.

The agreement between al-Sharaa and Mazloum Abdi, commander of the SDF, signed in March 2025, aimed to integrate the group into state structures while protecting local governance and Kurdish rights. This framework agreement was seen as a real opportunity to build a new Syria that embraces all its components.

The seizure of these key areas marks the first time Syria has been unified under one government since 2013, when the country was divided between Free Syrian Army factions, the al-Assad government, and later ISIL.

Source: Al Jazeera