Key Takeaways
- The Syrian Democratic Forces (QSD) successfully thwarted three attack attempts by the Syrian Army near the strategic Tishrin Dam in northern Syria.
- The Syrian Army has declared regaining control over the Euphrates Dam and commenced deployment in the city of Tabqa, west of Raqqa, following the reported expulsion of PKK militia.
- Longi Green Energy Technology Co. (601012.SS), a prominent Chinese solar manufacturer, has warned of a potential second consecutive annual loss for 2025, attributing it to a persistent downturn and overcapacity within the global solar supply chain.
- Reports indicate the Syrian Army is preparing for a significant military operation targeting the Ain Issa and Tishrin Dam axes northwest of Raqqa, aiming to assert broader control in the region.
Recent developments in Syria reveal a volatile security landscape, with renewed clashes around critical infrastructure and strategic areas. Concurrently, the global solar energy sector continues to face headwinds, impacting major players like Longi Green Energy Technology Co. (601012.SS).
Syrian Conflict Intensifies Around Key Dams
The Syrian Democratic Forces (QSD) announced they successfully repelled three separate attack attempts by the Syrian Army on the Tishrin Dam axis in northern Syria. These incidents underscore the ongoing military tensions in the region. The Tishrin Dam is a vital hydroelectric facility on the Euphrates River, making its control strategically important. Clashes between the Syrian Army and the Syrian Democratic Forces have been reported on this axis, east of Aleppo.
Adding to the shifting control, the Syrian Ministry of Energy declared that the Syrian government has regained control over the Euphrates Dam. This significant development follows reports from the Syrian Interior Ministry that its units have begun deploying in the city of Tabqa, located west of Raqqa Governorate, after the Syrian Army's expulsion of the PKK militia from the area. The Euphrates Dam, also known as the Tabqa Dam, is Syria's largest dam and crucial for electricity generation and water supply.
Furthermore, a Syrian military source indicated that the Syrian Army is set to commence a military operation on the axes of Ain Issa and the Tishrin Dam, northwest of Raqqa. This signals a broader strategic push by the Syrian government to consolidate its control over key areas in northern Syria, potentially impacting the balance of power in the region.
Longi Green Energy Technology Faces Prolonged Solar Downturn
In economic news, Chinese solar giant Longi Green Energy Technology Co. (601012.SS) has issued a warning that it may report another financial loss for the calendar year 2025. This comes as a prolonged downturn continues to exert pressure on the entire solar supply chain. The company, a world leader in solar silicon wafers, had previously forecasted a substantial net loss for 2024, ranging between RMB 8.2 billion and RMB 8.8 billion (approximately $1.1 billion to $1.2 billion USD), marking its first annual loss in 12 years.
The anticipated losses are largely attributed to intense industry competition, significant overcapacity in manufacturing, and a subsequent decline in prices and gross profit margins for solar modules. Despite efforts by over 30 major players to cut production and stabilize prices, the market imbalance persists, with analysts suggesting a meaningful rebalancing may not occur until 2026 or 2027. Longi's stock has experienced a decline, slumping 30% over the past 12 months, reflecting investor concerns over the challenging market conditions. The company's strategic shift towards BC (Back Contact) technology, rather than the industry's mainstream TOPCon, has also been cited as a factor in its recent performance.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.