Erdoğan's past comments on how to exploit Syria's oil reserves, may lend credence to allegations that Turkey is behind a recent escalation of violence in the Deir ez-Zor (Dêrezor) region.https://t.co/eDR3rr9Vqk pic.twitter.com/8VaSXPIJra
— MedyaNews (@1MedyaNews) September 7, 2023
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been vocal in questioning the involvement of the United States and Russia in Syria. However, his long-standing interest in the Deir ez-Zor (Dêrezor) region, particularly its oil reserves, as evident from his numerous past statements, presents a contrasting perspective. Additionally, it may lend credence to allegations of Turkish-backed paramilitary involvement in the recent escalation in the region.
Tensions in Deir ez-Zor escalated last week when the SDF dismissed local Military Council Commander Ahmed Al-Khubail, citing his alleged involvement in criminal activities such as drug dealing. This move triggered a mobilisation of Al-Khubail’s supporters against the SDF. Erdoğan has weighed in on the situation, asserting that Arab tribes are the “real owners” of Deir ez-Zor and accusing the SDF of posing a significant threat to the region. He claimed that the tribes are uniting against the SDF, which he labelled as terrorists.
Erdoğan’s engagement with Deir ez-Zor dates back to at least 2019 when he publicly proposed partnerships over the region’s oil with then US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. “We will propose to America and Russia that the oil extracted from Syria should be used for Syria’s reconstruction,” Erdoğan stated on 14 November 2019.
On 29 February 2020, Erdoğan further elaborated on his discussions with Trump and Putin, specifically mentioning the oil situation in Deir ez-Zor. According to Erdoğan, he pointed out to Trump during their conversation that Deir ez-Zor boasts more abundant oil reserves when compared to Qamishli. Contrasting their respective perceived zones of influence (Russia in Qamishli, the US in Deir ez-Zor) with regards to oil reserves, Erdoğan was attempting to assume the role of an anti-imperialist leader who was well aware of the oil-related interests of these two powers. However, he was essentially acknowledging that he engaged in a sales pitch before both leaders, namely, offering his assistance in advancing their oil-related objectives, should they be open to collaboration.
By March 2020, Erdoğan revealed another layer of interest in Deir ez-Zor’s oil. During a meeting with Putin, he proposed using the oil revenues for war-stricken Syria’s reconstruction. “If you provide financial support, let’s rebuild this devastated Syria,” Erdoğan said, to which Putin allegedly responded, “It’s possible.”
This interest gains added significance in light of recent allegations by Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Abdi claims that the paramilitary groups they are combating in anti-drug and anti-ISIS operations in Deir ez-Zor are supported by Turkey. He further alleges that Turkey and Syria are coordinating efforts, with Turkey seizing the opportunity to attack Manbij (Minbic) and other areas.
