Recent clashes in eastern Syria have led to the deaths of 16 individuals, including civilians and military personnel. The fighting ensued after a coalition of Islamist fighters launched a surprise offensive, capturing several areas in northwestern Syria. Government forces, backed by U.S. airstrikes, successfully repelled the attack near the Conoco oil field, where American troops are stationed. The region remains divided between President Bashar al-Assad’s forces and local fighters aligned with the Syrian Democratic Forces, which includes Kurdish fighters. The complex Syrian conflict continues to draw in various domestic and international factions.