In full view of military powers | Diesel smuggling operations increase between SDF-held areas and “Peace Spring” areas

As fuel smuggling operations are active between SDF-held areas and “Peace Spring” areas which are under the control of Turkish-backed factions, specifically the area stretching from Abu Rasin to Tel Tamr and al-Aliyah in al-Hasakah countryside, Syrian Observatory activists have monitored considerable movements by smugglers, transporting oil refined in primitive oil refineries from SDF-controlled areas to the areas under the control of the factions. The smugglers pump the oil to these areas in pipes in full view of SDF and Turkish forces.

 

It is worth noting that the price of oil has increased in SDF-held areas from 150 SYL to 410 SYL per litre. Meanwhile, a litre of oil is sold in “Peace Spring” areas for 1,000 SYL.

 

On the other hand, farmers are struggling with acute shortage of fuel in light of suspension of their share allocated for irrigating their crops. While the smuggling operations’ revenue reaches one million Syrian liras a day.

 

In a testimony to SOHR, a civilian known by his initials as M. S. said, “after several attempts to get my fuel allocation from petrol stations and appeals to ‘Komin’ (communes or local committees) and agricultural committees, I was obligated to buy gasoline for 800 SYL per litre from smugglers in order to save my crops of corn which uses large amounts of water.”