US hampers Iran’s advance toward Syrian oil-rich city

Selen Temizer

DEIR EZ-ZOR: The U.S. airstrikes on late Monday hampered the advance of Iranian forces’ toward Syria’s oil and energy-rich city of Deir ez-Zor, according to local sources.

The pro-regime Iranian forces captured 22 areas and attempted to occupy energy resources in the PYD/PKK-held city, but failed to move further due to the U.S. airstrikes, said the sources, who asked not be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Iran-backed pro-Assad militias retreated back to regime-controlled areas, after their supplies had been pounded by American warplanes in the district of Salihiye.

Earlier in February, Iranian forces tried to capture Deir ez-Zor to occupy oil and natural gas resources but the U.S. airstrikes hindered the attempt.

Clashes erupted between Iranian militias and PYD/PKK terrorists four days ago when the militia piled ammunition in the district of Salihiye and launched rockets at Conoco gas field, the sources added.

Since last September, energy-rich parts of the country — such as Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa and Al-Hasakah — have been handed over to the PYD/PKK by the Daesh terrorist group with air support provided by the U.S.

As of last October, the PYD/PKK had seized several energy facilities in Deir ez-Zor, including a Conoco gas plant and the Al-Omar and Jafra oilfields.

Notably, oil facilities in eastern Deir ez-Zor, including Afra, Taanah and Azraq, account for roughly one third of Syria’s overall energy reserves. (AA)