![The Syrian army takes control of the Sevra Oil Field in the rural areas of Raqqa after seizing it from the YPG, operating under the name SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) in Syria on January 18, 2026. [Kasim Yusuf - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/AA-20260118-40293822-40293816-SYRIAN_ARMY_TAKES_CONTROL_OF_SEVRA_OIL_FIELD_FROM_YPGSDF_IN_RURAL_RAQQA.jpg)
Syria signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday with US oil firm Chevron and Qatar-based Power International Holding to explore for oil and natural gas in Syrian territorial waters, Anadolu reports. During the signing ceremony, Youssef Qablawi, CEO of the Syrian Petroleum Company, said the importance of the memorandums lies in their role in strengthening the national economy, Alikhbariah TV reported. A dedicated team has been assigned to support the agreement with the aim of turning it into a binding contract, Qablawi said. Oil wells in Syria had been subjected to sabotage before coming under state control during a military operation against the terrorist organization YPG/SDF in the northeastern provinces of Raqqa and Deir el-Zour, he added. US special envoy […]
