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US military expands bases in eastern Syria, reinforces them with air systems

Saturday, 18 June 2022 10:28 AM [ Last Update: Sunday, 19 June 2022 2:31 AM ]

This file picture shows a US-backed militant standing on a vehicle with heavy automatic machine gun, left, next to an American soldier who also stands on his armored vehicle, right, as they take their position at the strategic al-Tanf region, southeastern Syria. (Photo by AP)

The US military has reportedly expanded its illegal bases in eastern Syria and strengthened them with air systems.

Russia's Sputnik news agency reported on Friday that that the US occupation forces are strengthening their ranks in eastern Syria, expanding their positions and moving more military convoys in the area.

The agency cited local sources in the northeastern province of Hasaka as saying that the American forces reinforced their illegal bases in the area with a “modern radar system” after they had built the bases to set up the radar on them.

The sources underlined that the bases, which include large warehouses, a command center and a helipad for military helicopters, were among the firsts established by the American forces with the support of Kurdish-led SDF militants loyal to them in Hasaka Province.

"US forces also expanded the grain silos base, which includes an airstrip in the town of Tal Baidar, north of Hasaka, near the M4 highway, by linking it with the headquarters of a former Syrian army regiment in the area," the sources added.

The sources confirmed that the "grain silos" base also witnessed an increase in fortifications and military equipment, as well as the deployment of Humvee vehicles and observation posts.

Military base housing US troops in northeastern Syria hit by barrage of rockets

A barrage of rockets reportedly hit a military facility housing US occupation forces in Syria’s oil-rich northeastern province of Hasakah, but the casualties and the extent of the damage was still unclear.

The US military has stationed forces and equipment in 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, maintains the deployment is meant to plunder the country's rich mineral resources.

Former US President Donald Trump admitted on more than one occasion that American forces were in the Arab country for its oil.

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

In June 2020, the US enacted the so-called Caesar Act that imposed the toughest sanctions ever on Syria intending to choke off revenue sources for the government.

The sanctions have crippled the war-torn country’s economy by barring foreign companies from doing trade with Damascus.

Syria says the real purpose of the measures is to put pressure on Syrians and their livelihoods.

Officials also say the increased smuggling of strategic Syrian resources is the latest inhumane tactic using people's basic needs as a tool to mount pressure on the democratically-elected government in Damascus.

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