U.S. to Send Heavy Tanks to Syria to Secure Oil Fields - May Use Revenues to Fund Military Presence

Following calls from the presidency to withdraw American forces from Syria, which were met with harsh criticism across the political spectrum and in Europe, the Pentagon has reportedly made preparations to deploy heavy armour to the theatre. This would represent an increase in the American military presence and a significant escalation and reversal of previous policy, with additional personnel also required to maintain this equipment. Armoured units would be tasked specifically with securing Syria’s oil production facilities which were previously held by Western funded militias in the country’s northeast, and the recapture of these facilities by Syria’s own armed forces would provide a significant boost to the country’s war torn economy much needed to fund the rebuilding process.

By denying oil fields to the Syrian government, the U.S. military’s actions can effectively complement the broader Western economic sanctions campaign which has sought to deny Damascus funds and oil and prohibited Western firms from taking part in the reconstruction process. Syria has, however, received, significant offers of support to rebuilt its infrastructure, its military and its medical sector from Russia, North Korea and China. Regarding the use to which captured Syrian oil will be put, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham indicated that it could be sold to fund the American military presence and Western aligned militias which would retain a presence in the country indefinitely. He stated to this effect: “by increasing the production of the oil fields, we will be helping our Syrian Democratic Forces allies who fought bravely to destroy ISIS Caliphate. We can use some of the revenues from future Syrian oil sales to pay our military commitment in Syria." The Syrian Democratic Forces are a Western armed militia which has sought the overthrow of the Syrian government, and are comprised of personnel from a number of Middle Eastern states. The presence of Western military personnel in Syria, including U.S. and French contingents and special forces units from a number of other states, is notably illegal under international law, as none of these parties have been granted permission to enter or operate in the country by Damascus.