Explosions, fire reported near US base in Syria

Rudaw

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Several explosions and fires were reported on Saturday night near a key oilfield in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor where US forces are based, Syrian state media said. 

Explosions were heard in the vicinity of the US base at the al-Omar oilfield, followed by fires, SANA reported, citing local sources. UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported five explosions, adding that joint exercised between US-led coalition forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had taken place a day before. 

The reason for the explosions remains unknown but the oilfield has been a target of rocket or drone attacks. 

Telegram channels affiliated to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported the incident as a drone strike targeting US forces, but these claims have not been confirmed. No official US comment has been made about the incident. 

The al-Omar oilfield is used by the SDF as a base to pursue attacks on Islamic State (ISIS) remnants who are active in the province. US troops are stationed in the Green Village area within the oilfield. 

Last month, at least three rockets targeted the Green Village military installation, housing coalition forces in Deir ez-Zor province.

The Syrian ministry of foreign affairs called on the US to immediately withdraw its “illegal forces” from Syrian territory, accusing Washington of stealing Syrian oil and sending it across the border to “northern Iraq.”

Hundreds of US troops stationed in eastern Syria have fought alongside the SDF against ISIS. Last month, at the UN General Assembly meeting, Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs Faisal Mekdad said the presence of the coalition “should end immediately,” adding that it contradicts international law.