Footage circulating from northern Syria shows a convoy belonging to Syria’s Interior Ministry entering the city of Tabqa in the countryside of Raqqa, marking a significant shift in control following recent clashes and withdrawals by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces. The appearance of government police vehicles in the city signals a new phase in Damascus’ effort to reassert state authority over strategic territory in northeast Syria.

Tabqa, long held by the SDF, has become a focal point amid rapid changes on the ground across Raqqa province. The convoy’s entry follows the SDF’s withdrawal from several positions as Syrian army units and allied forces advanced, seizing nearby oil and gas fields that are critical to the region’s economic and strategic landscape. The deployment of Interior Ministry forces suggests an attempt to transition from active combat operations to administrative and security control.

Observers note that the use of police units, rather than frontline military formations, appears intended to project an image of stabilization and governance after weeks of fighting. Establishing internal security structures is a key step for Damascus as it seeks to consolidate gains and prevent the re-emergence of rival armed groups or unrest in newly retaken areas.

The developments come as the United States has publicly urged de-escalation, expressing concern that continued advances and counter-movements could spark broader confrontation in northeast Syria. Despite these calls, the balance of power on the ground continues to shift rapidly, driven by withdrawals, localized agreements, and the strategic importance of energy resources and infrastructure.

For residents of Tabqa, the arrival of Interior Ministry forces represents a decisive change after years of SDF control. Whether this transition leads to lasting stability remains uncertain, but the convoy’s entry underscores a clear reality: control of Raqqa’s countryside is being reshaped, and the Syrian government is moving quickly to formalize its presence where the SDF once held sway.