In a swift military operation on January 18, 2026, Syrian government troops, supported by local Arab tribal allies, captured key oil and gas fields in eastern Deir ez-Zor province from US-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
The gains included Syria's largest oil facility at Al-Omar, alongside the Conoco gas field (also known as Koniko), Al-Tanak, Al-Jafra, Al-Azba, and the Tayyana-Jido-Malih-Azrraq cluster. Covering over 150 kilometers east of the Euphrates River—from Baghouz to towns like al-Shuhail and Busayra—the offensive secured 37 locations in mere hours, severely undermining SDF revenue streams despite urgent US appeals to cease advances. Tribal forces and government units continue clashing with SDF and PKK-linked fighters in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor countryside.
The Syrian Petroleum Company swiftly declared full state control over these assets. Residents celebrated advances with mosques broadcasting takbeers over loudspeakers.
