Forces loyal to Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, operating alongside allied local Syrian tribes, have begun crossing the Euphrates River using barges and pontoon bridges following the rapid withdrawal of Syrian Democratic Forces from western Euphrates positions. The crossings come after SDF units destroyed multiple bridges in an apparent effort to slow advancing forces and secure their retreat from former SDF- and PKK-held areas.

Newly released footage shows fighters in mixed military attire loading vehicles and equipment onto makeshift river crossings near Raqqa, moving eastward under challenging terrain and conditions. The improvised operations highlight both the urgency of the advance and the strategic importance of maintaining momentum after the collapse of fixed crossing points.

The movements indicate likely operational directions toward the eastern countryside of Raqqa, the western and northern rural areas of Deir ez-Zor, and SDF-controlled zones near Hasakah. These regions represent some of the most contested territory in northeastern Syria, with control tied closely to security corridors, population centers, and access routes linking the Euphrates basin.

The current advance follows the SDF’s withdrawal on January 17, 2026, part of a broader realignment unfolding after the fall of the Assad government in 2024. The destruction of bridges suggests a calculated attempt by retreating forces to delay pursuit while consolidating defenses further east. Despite these measures, the rapid establishment of pontoon crossings underscores the determination of advancing forces to maintain pressure.

The operation raises the risk of wider escalation involving U.S.-backed Kurdish elements, particularly as movements approach sensitive zones near Hasakah. At the same time, reports of ongoing talks involving SDF commander Mazloum Abdi and representatives in Damascus add a political dimension to the military developments, suggesting parallel efforts to shape outcomes both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table.

As the situation evolves, the Euphrates once again stands at the center of Syria’s shifting balance of power, serving not as a barrier, but as a corridor for the next phase of the conflict.