Syria on Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline revival: Not a Priority
Shafaq News/ On Thursday, the Syrian Transitional Government revealed that it has not held talks with Iraq about oil imports or the revival of a long-dormant pipeline.
'There are no negotiations with Iraq or Saudi Arabia to import oil,' Ahmed Suleiman, Director of Public Relations at Syria's Ministry of Oil and Mineral Resources, told the Washington-based Energy Platform, adding that Syria procures crude oil through tender announcements to secure the most reliable supplies.
Suleiman also affirmed that the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline, which connects Iraq's Kirkuk oil fields to Syria's Baniyas port, remains inactive and is not currently a priority for either government.
Inaugurated in 1952, the 800-kilometer pipeline, which has a capacity of 300,000 barrels per day, requires extensive rehabilitation, particularly on the Syrian side, where the country's energy infrastructure has suffered significant damage since the war erupted in 2011. It operated sporadically before being shut down in 2010 after sustaining severe damage from attacks by the Global Coalition in Iraq and Syria.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
Iraqi, Syrian FMs warn of regional chaos
Shafaq News/ On Saturday, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met with his Syrian counterpart, Asaad al-Shibani, in Istanbul to discuss regional tensions and bilateral relations, on the sidelines of the 51st session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers. During the meeting, Hussein cautioned that continued escalation threatens to plunge the Middle East into widespread chaos with heavy costs for all. He also referred to Iraq's initiative, presented during the recent emergency meeting of Arab foreign ministers, which calls for the formation of an Arab-Islamic committee tasked with engaging all parties to broker a ceasefire and resume negotiations. Both parties also reviewed political and economic developments in Syria and explored ways to strengthen cooperation.
Shafaq News
6 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Syrian aviation authority blocks AANES move on Qamishli Airport
Shafaq News/ On Saturday evening, the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) issued a statement rejecting the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria's (AANES) recent decision to establish a new authority for managing Qamishli International Airport. The SCAA stressed that the closure is binding on all local and international aviation entities, adding that it is the sole legally authorized body to manage airports and oversee air traffic within Syrian airspace. It further warned that any attempt to operate or utilize the airport without coordination with Damascus constitutes a violation of international aviation regulations. On June 19, the Executive Council of the AANES issued a decree establishing a general administration for Qamishli Airport, claiming authority over its operations. The council declared the move effective immediately and called on relevant parties to adhere to the new structure. Qamishli Airport has remained closed to civilian flights since the fall of the Al-Assad regime late last year. Since then, only Russian military aircraft have used the facility. Government institutions such as civil courts, population registries, and directorates of civil affairs, immigration, and passports also remain inactive in AANES-held areas, raising the risk of further administrative and political escalation.
Shafaq News
6 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Iran escalates against Israel with 19th strike wave and Dimona threat
Shafaq News/ Tehran launched the 19th wave of its True Promise 3 campaign against Tel Aviv on Saturday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed, as warnings to strike Israel's Dimona nuclear power plant mount. In a brief statement, the IRGC said the latest wave included a large number of drones targeting northern and southern Israel, marking a continued escalation in Iran's direct military response. The announcement came amid growing threats from senior Iranian officials. Speaking to Al Jazeera, a high-ranking Iranian official cautioned that Israel's Dimona nuclear facility could become a 'legitimate target' if the Israeli war enters a more complex phase. He further noted that the Iranian strikes had already dealt significant damage, accusing the Israeli army of deliberately hiding the extent of its losses. 'We have yet to deploy our most advanced missiles—but we will, without a doubt.' The official explained that his country's strategy hinges on depleting Israel's interceptor missile stockpiles through sustained, calculated attacks. 'We have detailed intelligence on their air defense capacity and are systematically wearing it down.' He also warned that any direct US involvement would trigger a broader regional conflict and expose American interests in the Middle East to 'serious danger.' According to the official, targeting US bases in the region would be 'easier than hitting Israel's heartland.' Meanwhile, Colonel Iman Tajik, spokesperson for Operation True Promise 3, delivered a sharp message to Israelis: 'Flee [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu's quagmire—your death is inevitable.'
