This Video Does Not Show ISIS Transporting Oil to Turkey

Misbar investigated the circulating video and found the claim to be misleading.

U.S. Accused of Stealing Syrian Oil in 2022

Misbar's team found that the video, which is from August 2022, shows a U.S. military convoy allegedly transporting stolen oil out of Raqqah, Syria. Reports indicate the U.S. military has regularly extracted oil from the country and moved it to bases in Iraq.

According to The Cradle, a journalist-driven publication focused on West Asia, the Syrian Oil Ministry issued a statement on August 9, accusing U.S. forces occupying Syria of being responsible for most of the country's oil theft.

The statement said oil production in the first half of 2022 totaled about 14.5 million barrels, with a daily average of 80,300 barrels. Of that, 14,200 barrels were sent to refineries. The ministry also claimed that "U.S. occupation forces and their mercenaries," referring to the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), are stealing up to 66,000 barrels daily from fields in the eastern region—about 83% of Syria’s daily oil output.

The ministry said the Syrian oil sector has lost nearly $105 billion since the war began through mid-2023 due to the U.S. oil theft campaign.

Syria, Turkey in Talks for Defense Agreement, New Military Bases

Recent reports suggest that Syria and Turkey are negotiating a defense agreement that would involve Turkey establishing new military bases in Syria. These claims have not yet been confirmed by Turkish officials, who currently operate military bases in northern Syria that were established before the fall of the Assad regime as part of arrangements with Russia. There are also significant inconsistencies in the reports regarding the locations and specifics of the proposed new bases.

Syrian journalist Ibrahim Khalidi, editor of Al-Majalla, discussed the issue in a December 23, 2024, article, stating that Damascus and Ankara are working on a mutual defense pact that would involve creating two bases in Homs and Damascus, along with deploying an air defense system to counter Israeli strikes. Khalidi emphasized that such an agreement would enhance the bargaining power of the new regime in Damascus regarding the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Kamishli.

Turkish journalist İbrahim Karagül, a former editor of Yeni Şafak and an ally of President Erdogan, highlighted that Syria faces significant threats from Israeli aggression and challenges to its territorial integrity posed by the YPG/PKK terror group (primarily the Kurdish People’s Defense Units involved with the SDF). He argued that Turkey is essential for Syria's defense and security.

Regarding the proposed Turkish military bases, Karagül mentioned that while a military cooperation agreement is still in the early stages, discussions are focused on critical matters such as rebuilding the Syrian armed forces, establishing military bases in Damascus and Homs, safeguarding Syrian airspace, and potentially creating a base in the Tartus/Latakia region. He also suggested that Turkey might establish a military presence—either an airbase or a naval base—in Lebanon, capitalizing on the country's weakened state and its readiness to collaborate with Turkey.

Turkish journalist Sinan Burhan recently commented on a Turkish television channel about emerging military cooperation talks with the new Syrian government, indicating plans for Turkish bases in Damascus and Tartus.

Damascus International Airport To Resume International Flights Amid Recovery Efforts

Syria's main airport in Damascus is set to resume international flights after commercial air travel was suspended following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. The state news agency Sana reported that Ashhad al-Salibi, head of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport, announced, "We will begin receiving international flights to and from Damascus International Airport starting Tuesday." He assured both Arab and international airlines that efforts are underway to rehabilitate both Aleppo and Damascus airports with the help of partners, enabling them to accommodate flights from around the world.

International aid aircraft and foreign diplomatic missions have already resumed landings in Syria, and domestic flights are back in operation. On Thursday, Qatar Airways announced it would restart flights to the Syrian capital after nearly 13 years, with three weekly departures starting Tuesday. A Qatari official informed Agence-France Presse last month that Doha had offered assistance to the new Syrian leaders in resuming operations at Damascus airport.

On December 18, the first flight since Islamist-led rebels displaced Assad took off from Damascus airport to Aleppo in northern Syria. An aid plane from Egypt landed at the airport on Saturday, marking Cairo's first humanitarian delivery since Assad's removal. The civilian cargo plane delivered 15 tonnes of supplies as part of “Egypt’s commitment to supporting the brotherly Syrian people,” according to the Egyptian foreign ministry. This shipment, organized by the Egyptian Red Crescent, included tents, blankets, food, and medical supplies, as reported by state-affiliated Al-Qahera News.

Read More

Misleading Plane Crash Videos Flood Social Media After Crashes in Japan and Azerbaijan

Prop Money Bag Mistaken as Alleged Iranian Cash Shipped to Hezbollah