Syrian Government Forces Withdraw from Key Areas in Deir ez-Zor in Eastern Syria
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – Syrian government forces withdrew Friday from several strategic areas in Deir ez-Zor province, including the key cities of Al-Bukamal and Al-Mayadin, marking another setback in the deteriorating security landscape across the country.
This comes amid an accelerated collapse of government forces on multiple fronts, particularly following an offensive launched last week by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied Turkish-backed factions.
Local Observations of Withdrawal
Local sources in Deir ez-Zor reported seeing large convoys of Syrian government forces retreating from the region.
“We observed government military convoys withdrawing along the Deir ez-Zor-Damascus highway,” a local resident told North Press, noting that the destination of the retreating forces remains unclear.
Videos circulated on social media platforms, including Facebook, showing abandoned positions previously held by Iranian and Iraqi-backed militias in Al-Bukamal and Al-Mayadin, suggesting a complete evacuation of these areas.
Strategic Importance of Deir ez-Zor
The province of Deir ez-Zor, especially the cities of Al-Bukamal and Al-Mayadin, has been a critical stronghold for Iranian-backed militias, serving as a vital link in the Iran-Iraq-Syria corridor.
The loss of these areas further underscores the crumbling state of Syrian government defenses, particularly as HTS and other factions continue to gain ground in other regions, including Homs, Hama, and Salamiyah.
Wider Collapse Across Syria
In a related development, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the withdrawal of government forces from Homs, a central city, further amplifying the perception of a broad collapse in government-held territories.
HTS, in coordination with Turkish-backed factions, has made significant advances over the past week, seizing control of multiple cities, including Hama and Salamiyah, with minimal resistance. The speed and extent of these withdrawals have raised questions about the Syrian government’s ability to maintain its hold over key territories.
Broader Implications
The retreat from Deir ez-Zor and other areas raises concerns about the security vacuum it creates, particularly in regions previously contested by ISIS. The militant group has shown signs of resurgence, and the withdrawal of government forces may embolden it to reassert control over these regions.
Additionally, the loss of Iranian-backed positions in Al-Bukamal and Al-Mayadin could have broader geopolitical ramifications, potentially disrupting Iran’s logistical and strategic influence in Syria.
What’s Next?
The rapid territorial losses highlight the weakening grip of the Syrian government amid mounting internal and external pressures. As government forces retreat, the dynamics on the ground are shifting rapidly, with factions like HTS taking advantage of the instability.
The ongoing collapse underscores the urgent need for regional and international actors to address the growing instability in Syria, as the conflict continues to evolve with unpredictable consequences.