Syria's Oil fields vulnerable to theft, Rebels keep some safe

Ahl al-Athar, Islamic brigade, has appealed again through Zaman Alwasl to the National Coalition and Chiefs of Staff to protect the Oil fields north east Syria.

''We captured some oil extraction equipment before being stolen by thugs 4 months ago, senior leader in 'Ahl al-Athar' brigade said. '' We keep it safe but other oil fields should be protected.''

 The technical engineer, who works in the oil station  in bo Kamal, Deir Ez Zour governorate, has warned of the consequences of tampering with these machines, stressing that the value of this equipment up to millions of dollars besides its not exist in any Arab country or developing countries, except Nigeria and Syria.

 The equipment includes several large pumps, including pumps did not work before, which means that the equipment came a short time ago to the region has not yet running. The source pointed out that one of the places in the oil field containing 5 oil pumps.

 Rebels are doing their best to protect the equipment, considering it as a national treasure which belongs to the Syrian people, the source said.

 The brigade leaders have appealed to the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Free Syrian Army and to the National Coalition to supply them with weapons in order to keep the oil fields safe.

 There must be a real support from the Chiefs of Staff, who count it a lot, especially with weapons, the source said, ''we cannot leave this national wealth without a guard, calling for all combat brigades to shoulder the national responsibility towards the Syrian people's property,'' he added.

 Ahl al-Athar is a Salafist and moderate group based near the Iraqi-Syrian borders most of its 1000 members have tribal roots.