Kurdish forces retreat as government troops advance across northern Syria

[sabonis_84]

Syrian government forces have taken control of the northern city of Tabqa and the country’s largest dam, wresting them from Kurdish-led fighters, according to Syrian state media citing the country’s information minister[b].[/b]
The Syrian troops advanced through Kurdish-held areas despite US calls Saturday for restraint.
The Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) denied that it lost control of the city.
“Our forces arrested three individuals who tried to stir unrest and undermine security in the city of al-Tabqa by firing on civilians’ homes,” the SDF said. “Our forces took the necessary measures and restored security and stability to the city.”

Before capturing the Euphrates Dam in the Raqqa countryside,[b] [/b]Syrian forces seized a number of towns and villages in the Aleppo region after the command of Kurdish-led fighters said it would evacuate the area.
Army units took control of the town of Maskanah on Saturday, according to the military, and were continuing to advance.

The SDF and the Syrian military have clashed several times since the Islamist-led government of President Ahmed al-Sharaa came to power just over a year ago.
Sharaa has pledged to unify the country after 14 years of civil war, but the Kurds want guarantees of their autonomy.