Syria: The government takes control of an airport held by the Kurds
The Syrian government has regained control of the Qamishli airport from Kurdish forces amid ongoing military operations in the region.
In a significant development in the Syrian conflict, the Syrian government has taken control of Qamishli airport, which was previously held by Kurdish forces. This move is part of a broader strategy by the Damascus regime to integrate various territories into the central governance structure following the Kurds' establishment of an autonomous region in northern Syria. The situation follows intense military pressure applied by government forces on Kurdish positions, leading to the loss of several Kurdish strongholds over the past months.
The takeover of Qamishli airport symbolizes not only a strategic military victory but also signals the diminishing influence of Kurdish autonomy in the region. Kurdish forces had captured the airport after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime in late 2024, marking a pivotal moment in their fight for greater autonomy. However, the recent military advances by the Syrian government underscore the challenges faced by Kurdish authorities as they attempt to maintain control over their territories amidst increasing pressure from the Assad regime.
This event has broader implications for the power dynamics within Syria, particularly concerning the Kurdish population's status and the potential for further conflict between local groups and the central government. As the Syrian military reinforces its presence in areas previously managed by Kurdish authorities, it raises concerns about the future of Kurdish governance and the safety of the Kurdish population in the ongoing civil war.