Tripartite meeting at Tishreen Dam may lead to ceasefire in N. Syria
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Local sources told Al Mayadeen that the meeting aims to solidify an agreement to transfer the management of the dam to the new Syrian government.
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Residents of northeastern Syria walk at the Tishrin Dam to join a sit-in demanding an end to the war in the region in Aleppo's countryside, Syria, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 (AP)
North Syria's Tishreen Dam hosted a notable visit from a delegation of the US-led international coalition, accompanied by representatives from the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as intense helicopter activity from the international coalition covered the skies over the area.
Local sources told Al Mayadeen that the visit aims to solidify an agreement to transfer the management of the dam to the new Syrian government. The meeting also discussed the withdrawal of all armed groups from the dam's vicinity and the establishment of a joint security force for its protection.
The visit follows nearly three months of tension and violent clashes between the US-backed SDF and the Turkish-backed National Army factions. This relative calm may pave the way for broader political movements.
In this context, it is expected that a ceasefire agreement between Ankara and Qamishli, brokered by Washington, will be announced, potentially marking the beginning of a new phase of de-escalation and reordering of dynamics in northern Syria.
On March 10, the Syrian presidency announced an agreement to integrate the SDF into state institutions, with executive committees set to implement this integration before the end of 2025.
Importance of Tishreen Dam
The Tishreen Dam occupies a critical geographical position, linking three key Syrian governorates: Aleppo, al-Raqqa, and al-Hasakah. This makes it a pivotal strategic hub, overseeing vital supply routes and military movement corridors across northern Syria.
The dam's significance extends far beyond its location or water resources; it serves as a formidable natural barrier, capable of functioning as an advanced defense line against any potential offensive. This enhances its military value, making it a highly contested asset for all parties.
Far from being just a facility for power generation or water storage, the Tishreen Dam has evolved into a powerful symbol of influence and control, central to the broader geopolitical dynamics at play.
Consequently, the battles over the Tishreen Dam transcend simple resource competition; they represent a larger struggle for strategic dominance in northern Syria. The dam stands as a testament to the clash of interests and shifting power balances, shaping the region's ongoing conflict.
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