US Forces Smuggle 45 Tankers of Stolen Syrian Oil to Iraq: SANA

US forces have reportedly smuggled 45 tankers of stolen Syrian oil from the al-Jazeera oil fields to American bases in northern Iraq via the illegal al-Mahmoudia crossing, according to Syria's official news agency SANA. Civil sources in al-Yarubiya near the Iraqi borders informed SANA that the convoy of 45 tankers loaded with Syrian stolen oil left for Iraq through the illegal crossing, heading for the occupation bases in northern Iraq.

The US has long maintained a military presence in northeastern Syria, claiming it is to prevent the oilfields from falling into the hands of Daesh terrorists. However, Damascus has accused the US of plundering the country's natural resources. Former US president Donald Trump had openly admitted that American forces were in Syria for its oil wealth.

Why this matters: The reported smuggling of Syrian oil by US forces highlights the ongoing tensions and complex geopolitical dynamics in the region. It raises questions about the legality and motives behind the US military presence in Syria and its impact on the country's sovereignty and resources.

Several countries, including Russia and China, have condemned the US actions and called on Washington to stop its continued looting of Syria's natural resources. The incident comes amidst ongoing confrontations between Palestinian Resistance fighters and Israeli occupation forces in the occupied West Bank, with the latter raiding the Tulkarm refugee camp.

According to the civil sources who spoke to SANA, the convoy of 45 tankers carrying stolen Syrian oil passed through the illegal al-Mahmoudia crossing before heading to the US occupation bases in northern Iraq. The US military has not yet commented on the allegations made by Syria's official news agency regarding the smuggling of oil from the al-Jazeera fields.

Key Takeaways

• US forces reportedly smuggled 45 tankers of stolen Syrian oil to Iraq.
• US claims presence in Syria is to prevent oil fields from Daesh, but Damascus accuses US of plundering.
• Russia and China condemned US actions, calling for Washington to stop looting Syria's resources.
• Convoy of 45 tankers carrying stolen oil passed through illegal al-Mahmoudia crossing to US bases in Iraq.
• US military has not commented on Syria's allegations regarding the smuggling of oil from al-Jazeera fields.