Illustrative image. Source: the Syrian Arab News Agency.
On July 22 noon, a sabotage attack targeted the key al-Jibsah-al-Rayan gas pipeline in the northeastern region of Syria.
Unidentified saboteurs blew up a section of the pipeline near the town of Abu Khashab in the northern Deir Ezzor countryside with an improvised explosive device. The explosion led to a fire. Nevertheless, no serious damage was reported.
The pipeline moves natural gas produced from al-Jibsah fields in the southern countryside of al-Hasakah to the al-Rayan gas factory in Homs.
Click to see full-size map.
This was the third attack on the pipeline this year. The first attack, which took place on February 27, was carried out by a newly-founded group calling itself the “al-Sharqiyah Brigades“. The group was also behind the second attack that took place on May 17.
The mysterious group warned in its first statement that it would operate nonstop against the interests of Russia and Iran in Syria.
The group, which may be a front for ISIS or Turkish-backed factions, is apparently attempting to disturb economic cooperation between the Damascus government and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, which control most of the country’s energy resources.