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UPDATED 1:40 PM PT — Thursday, November 7, 2019
The Pentagon is rejecting allegations the U.S. is seeking to exploit oilfields in Syria. The Defense Department said all revenue from U.S. controlled oilfields in Syria goes to the Syrian Democratic Forces — not the United States.
Military officials said American troops are protecting the oilfields from a takeover by the remnants of ISIS and Iranian-backed paramilitaries. Several nations — including Iran and Russia — have questioned America’s motives to protect the oilfields.
“We are convinced that it’s up to the Syrian people to manage their natural resources, including oil,” stated Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin. “Any actions whatsoever that the United States undertake to keep themselves militarily present in Syria are unacceptable and illegal from our point of view.”
The Pentagon said U.S. forces are also working to prevent crimes against humanity in Syria.
“There is a great deal of infrastructure that’s in disrepair,” stated Admiral Bill Byrne. “It’s the SDF and the U.S. forces, shoulder to shoulder, protecting that to ensure that ISIS doesn’t have access.”
Military officials also reaffirmed the withdrawal of U.S. forces and equipment from Syria remains ongoing.