Unknown gunmen attack fuel tankers, kill 2 men in Syrian Desert
HOMS, Syria (North Press) – Unknown gunmen attacked on Sunday fuel tankers carrying crude oil in the Syrian Desert in central Syria, killing two men.
A local source told North Press that gunmen attacked two tankers carrying crude oil owned by al-Qaterji group that transports oil in the Wadi Ubeid area in the countryside of Homs.
The al-Qaterji armed group is funded by Syrian businessman and Member of Parliament, Hussam al-Qaterji, who is known as the godfather of the Syrian government’s oil and wheat trade with the Islamic State (ISIS).
The U.S. officially designated al-Qaterji for being a senior official of the Government of Syria.
The source added that the attack resulted in the killing of two drivers and the complete destruction of the tankers.
ISIS militants frequently target fuel tankers and individuals working in the oil industry in Deir ez-Zor and Homs.
On July 9, an ISIS sleeper cell targeted oil tankers in the countryside of Deir ez-Zor causing material damage.