Syria’s State Oil Firm Reclaims Rasafa, Sufayan Fields for Restart after Military Handover

The Syrian Petroleum Company (SPC) has formally taken control of the Rasafa and Sufayan oil fields from units of the Syrian Arab Army, marking a new step in Damascus’ efforts to restore energy production following recent military advances in eastern Aleppo province.

In a statement carried by the state news agency SANA, SPC said the handover comes after the army’s advance into the areas of Deir Hafir and Maskanah, and is intended to pave the way for returning the two fields to operational service in line with approved rehabilitation plans.

The company described the development as part of a broader national effort to recover and secure oil infrastructure, stressing that stabilizing the energy sector remains a priority amid prolonged economic pressure and fuel shortages.

Earlier on Saturday, the army’s Operations Command announced that government forces had established control over the Sufayan oil field, the Rasafa junction, and the Thawra field near the city of Tabqa, as troops expanded their advance west of the Euphrates River. The military operation followed the army’s entry into Deir Hafir, Maskanah, and dozens of surrounding villages.

While SPC did not provide a timeline for resuming production, officials indicated that technical assessments and rehabilitation work will begin immediately to evaluate damage and restore infrastructure. Years of conflict have left many Syrian oil facilities either damaged, looted, or operating far below capacity.

The Rasafa and Sufayan fields are considered strategically important due to their location and their role in supplying crude to domestic refineries. Regaining control over such assets is seen by the government as essential to reducing reliance on fuel imports and easing pressure on public finances.

Energy analysts note that restarting production will depend not only on security conditions but also on the availability of equipment, spare parts, and investment , all constrained by sanctions and years of underinvestment. Nevertheless, Syrian officials have repeatedly framed the recovery of oil and gas facilities as a cornerstone of economic stabilization and post-conflict reconstruction.

The handover underscores the close coordination between military operations and state-owned energy companies, as Damascus seeks to translate territorial gains into economic returns and restore a measure of self-sufficiency in the vital energy sector.