A sabotage operation targeted several underwater pipes of Banias’ oil terminal on the Syrian coast, the Syrian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources announced in an official statement on June 23.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gf3oYEXjt3U
The attack, which took place on June 22, damaged five oil pipes leading to a dangerous leak, according to the ministry. However, the authorities conducted emergency repairs and contained the situation.
“Within a few hours, work in the downstream will be resumed as it was before,” the ministry said in its statement, stressing that it will continue its work “no matter how different the methods of siege and aggression.”
Syria’s news channel, al-Alikhbaria, released photos of what appears to be the remains of two limpet charges that were used in the sabotage operation.
Click to see full-size image
Click to see full-size image
Banias’ oil terminal is located roughly 30km north of the Russian Navy base in Tartus port. An oil refinery and a major power plant are located in the same complex.
There is still no evidence linking the Banias attack to the recent escalation in the Persian Gulf. Nonetheless, the U.S. and its allies remain the biggest benefiters of such an attack, which could be considered a message to Syria’s close ally, Iran.
