US Plot to Occupy Strategic Iraq-Syria Corridor Revealed

The Arabic-language Sham Times reported on Thursday that the US-led coalition has transferred nearly 850 of the 11,000 militia stationed in Southeastern Syria to its military bases in Western Iraq.

It added that members of Ahmed Aboud, Aswad al-Sharqiyeh, Jeish Maqawir al-Thawra and Jeish Syria al-Jadid terrorist groups are stationed in the bordering triangle of Syria, Iraq and Jordan (al-Tanf and the nearby areas), saying that the US has come to believe that since al-Tanf has been surrounded by the Syrian army and its allies, its current plan in the region might prove futile in future.

According to the report, the US wants to implement a new plot in Eastern Syria by transferring the first group of these terrorists to Ein al-Assad base and al-Habaniyeh base in Western Iraq which already host over 7,000 soldiers, including 5,800 Americans and 1,200 other nationalities.

It added that given the fact that the US has at present occupied the Iraqi side of al-Qaem-Albu Kamal corridor, it seems that it is attempting to take full control of the passageway.

According to numerous witness accounts, militants are receiving training at the US military base near the Syrian city of Al-Tanf, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing last Thursday.

Russia is also concerned about the United States’ activities in Syria, the foreign ministry spokeswoman went on to say.

“The so-called US-led coalition has been conducting intensive airstrikes on the outskirts of Hajin, occupied by ISIL, causing numerous civilian deaths,” Zakharova stressed, noting that “according to the Syrian media, the coalition has once again used white phosphorus shells”.

“By maintaining its illegal military presence in Syria and failing to specify its purpose and provide a timeframe, Washington makes it clear that it is not interested in an early resolution of the crisis in the country,” the Russian diplomat stated.