Syrian Islamist govt forces deploy at key dam under deal with Kurds

DAMASCUS,— Syrian security forces loyal to the new Islamist government in Damascus have taken positions around the Tishrin Dam in northern Syria, following a formal agreement with Kurdish authorities of Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava), state media reported Saturday.

The deal, struck between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the central transitional government, permits Damascus to deploy troops to the dam area, located near the city of Manbij in Aleppo province.

The SDF, backed by the United States, had held control of the dam since 2015, after seizing it from the Islamic State group.

The Tishrin Dam, built along the Euphrates River, is one of Syria’s key hydroelectric and irrigation sources. Its control has long been considered vital to the country’s economy and agricultural sector.

According to a Kurdish official who spoke on condition of anonymity, the agreement maintains the dam under Kurdish civilian administration, while Syrian Arab Army and security personnel will be responsible for maintaining order around the facility.

State-run news agency SANA reported that Syrian forces entered the site “to impose security” under the terms of the agreement. The plan also includes the formation of a joint military unit tasked with protecting the dam.

In addition, the deal reportedly requires the removal of Turkey-backed Islamist mercenary militias in the area, which authorities say are attempting to undermine the terms of the accord.

This development follows a broader arrangement made in mid-March between interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa (Golani) and SDF leader, General Mazloum Abdi. That deal aims to fold Kurdish self-governing institutions into the broader framework of Syria’s national government.

The Tishrin Dam had been a contested point during the Syrian conflict, which began in 2011. It shifted hands multiple times before falling under SDF control.

Following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad in December, Turkish drone strikes hit the area around the dam, killing dozens of Kurdish civilians, according to Kurdish officials and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

(With files from AFP)