Syrian Army Expands Control in North, Dislodges Kurdish Forces Amid Tensions

• Syrian army took control of significant areas in the country's north, dislodging Kurdish forces who held autonomy for over a decade.
• The advance follows a stalled March deal for Kurdish forces integration and comes after President Ahmed al-Sharaa's decree recognizing Kurdish as a national language.
• Government troops seized two Aleppo neighborhoods and an area east of the city, also entering Tabqa in Raqa province and capturing its military airport and two oil fields.
• Kurdish-led SDF accused Damascus of violating agreements, leading to clashes south of Tabqa, while the Syrian army reported four soldiers killed.
• US and French officials called for de-escalation, as the US military urged Syrian forces to cease offensive actions between Aleppo and al-Tabqa.

Why It Matters: Syrian army expands control in the north, dislodging Kurdish forces despite a decree recognizing Kurdish rights.