Russia: Security situation in US-controlled areas in Syria 'critical'

The Russian Defense Ministry says the activities and arbitrary measures of US occupation troops continue to undermine peace and stability in Syria, and that the security situation in areas controlled by American forces and their allied Takfiri militants is alarming.

“The activities of US troops, who are illegitimately deployed to Syrian territories, continue to have negative influence on the status quo in the country. Security situation in areas on the eastern bank of the Euphrates, which are controlled by US-backed forces, is critical,” Oleg Zhuravlev, deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides, said on Tuesday.

“Over the past three days, ten terror attacks and acts of sabotage have been carried out in the region. Eighteen people have lost their lives and 25 others have been injured as well,” he added.

Zhuravlev noted that two Syrian army soldiers have been shot and wounded by terrorist snipers in the al-Fatatuat and Kuljok areas of the northern province of Idlib.

US, Kurdish authorities unable to ensure security in northeastern Syria: Russian diplomat

A senior Russian diplomat says US occupation troops and local Kurdish authorities in northeastern Syria have failed to ensure security in areas they control.

Hundreds of extremists have been moved to al-Tanf region, the top Russian defense ministry official said.

“The United States and Britain continue to implement the so-called amnesty program for members of terrorist groups. Hundreds of extremists have, therefore, been set free and joined US-backed militant groups. Some of those Takfiris have been deployed to al-Tanf region,” Zhuravlev said, highlighting that such actions only contribute to the spread of terrorism.

Washington actively involved in illegal oil trade from Syria

Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service said in a report on Tuesday that the United States remains actively involved in the illegal oil trade from the occupied territories in northern Syria, stressing that US companies continue to plunder the war-ravaged country’s natural resources.

“Washington is still actively involved in the illegal oil trade from the occupied territories of northeast Syria. Every month, some 3 million barrels of crude oil are extracted from fields in the provinces of Hasakah, Raqqa, and Dayr al-Zawr,” the report said.

Over $100bn in damage inflicted on Syria’s oil sector by decade-long crisis: Ministry

The Syrian ministry of petroleum says the ongoing foreign-sponsored conflict has inflicted around $100.5 billion in damage on the country’s energy sector.

The report said about a third of the stolen oil is being sold to the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in the northern Iraq at a price range of $35 to $40 per barrel.

“Oil is delivered to Iraqi Kurdistan region by tanker trucks guarded by US military personnel. Moreover, US military forces and companies have established a system for the sake of oil production and processing,” the Foreign Intelligence Service added.

Blasts rock military base housing US forces in Syria’s Dayr al-Zawr

Additionally, a military facility housing US occupation forces in Syria’s eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr has been shaken by a series of explosions.

Sabereen News, a Telegram news channel associated with Iraqi anti-terror Popular Mobilization Units or Hashd al-Sha’abi said the sound of loud blasts was heard in the US-occupied al-Omar oil field early on Wednesday.

The report, however, did not provide any information about the origin of the explosions.

American forces smuggle stolen Syrian oil to their bases in Iraq

The US military has brought a convoy of vehicles loaded with military equipment and tanker trucks carrying stolen oil from Syria to its bases in Iraq.

The US military has stationed forces and equipment in eastern and northeastern Syria, with the Pentagon claiming that the deployment is aimed at preventing the oilfields in the area from falling into the hands of Daesh terrorists.

Damascus, however, says the unlawful deployment is meant to plunder the country’s resources.

Former US president Donald Trump admitted on several occasions that American forces were in Syria for its oil.

After failing to oust the Syrian government with the help of its proxies and direct involvement in the conflict, the US government has now stepped up its economic war on the Arab country.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk