Cú Chulainn

2) US escalating its covert war on Syria (& thus Iran). First came escalation of the campaign against the transfer of oil along the long desert road stretch between Deir ez-Zor and Damascus--when road from Iran via Iraq opened, Iranians increased shipment of oil in tanker-trucks

3) Since Syrian Defense Forces (SDF) would not strike & shut down lucrative oil trade, US chose to rely heavily on jihadist forces it is training and equipping in al-Tanf area. According to tribal leaders in Deir ez-Zor, US launched “a campaign ... to prevent smuggling oil...

4) from areas under SDF control in Deir ez-Zor to Syrian govt by way of ferries across the river”. First major escalation early on May 31, 2019: Jihadist forces near al-Shuhayl opened heavy machinegun fire on four tanker-barges ferrying oil across the Euphrates.

5) When ambush failed to cause tangible damage, US came to aid of its jihadist allies--US combat helicopters & strike aircraft showed up & strafed the barges, blowing up three of them & causing at least four fatalities. US denied that the May 31, 2019, attack took place, but...

6) the mere involvement of US forces compelled the US to change tactics. US/jihadists moved to on-land raids & ambushes along desert stretch north of al-Tanf, vast Badiyah al-Sham (eastern desert) area. There, properly trained and equipped light forces could, on their own...

7) strike & burn the tanker trucks moving in small convoys, without conflict of interests w US-proxy Kurdish forces. Syrian military officials: “ISIL’s movements have taken place in line with US’ objectives to exert pressure on the Syrian Army and its allies in Syria”.

8) Officials stressed “US is trying to help ISIL block roads leading to Badiyah due to Badiyah’s strategically important oil and gas reserves”. main jihadist operations were taking place between Eastern al-Sukhnah & Deir ez-Zor, including important T-3 Pumping Station & Palmyra

9) jihadist forces using HUMMER vehicles & ubiquitous Japanese-made light trucks. Starting June 3, 2019, the jihadists used US-made TOW anti-tank missiles to strike Syrian armored combat vehicles escorting the tankers. first such strike took place in Jabal Bishri area.