Syrian Army continues takeover of eastern Raqqa areas under ceasefire deal with SDF

By Mustafa Deveci, Omer Koparan, and Fatma Zehra Solmaz

RAQQA / ISTANBUL (AA) - Under a ceasefire and integration agreement reached between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Syrian Army continues to take over territories stretching from the Raqqa region east of the Euphrates River to the Turkish border without clashes.

After taking control of the Tishrin Dam southeast of Manbij on Monday morning, units crossed from the area to the opposite bank of the Euphrates and advanced toward the zone between Ayn al-Arab and Raqqa city center.

Another point of advance for the Syrian Army is the Ayn Issa junction town, located east of the Euphrates and north of Raqqa.

Forces have also been taking over territories in the southern parts of the Ayn al-Arab region without clashes.

Syrian forces gained control of the town of Ayn Issa as of Monday morning, without any fighting, under the agreement.

A third line of advance from the Raqqa city center toward the Tal Abyad–Rasulayn line was also completed without clashes.

According to the agreement, SDF had confirmed its acceptance of a complete withdrawal from the provinces of Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor.

Before the agreement was reached on Sunday night, the Syrian Army had taken control of the town of Ayn Issa on the M4 highway, securing the road connection between Ayn al-Arab and Hasakah.