Iranian oil and its derivatives began to pour into Syria by land, through the Iraqi border in the east, and by sea, from the Mediterranean in the west, amid a strong demand by pro-Iranian militias for real estate in various regions, especially in Ghouta.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a crude oil tanker docked at the port of Baniyas in Tartus, coming from Iran. It added that Lebanon’s share of hydrocarbons had arrived days before in Syria through three other Iranian tankers.
According to the war monitor, the fuel tankers had arrived on Sept. 6 and were destined for Lebanon.
“On Monday, three tankers carrying diesel and gasoline docked at Baniyas port. Their cargo is being unloaded to be transported by land to Lebanon… under the supervision of the Lebanese Hezbollah party,” the Observatory stated.
It added that crossings used for smuggling between Syria and Lebanon in Homs and Tartus are being heavily monitored by members of the regime’s Fourth Division in order to secure the transfer to Lebanon.
In a report on Sept. 5, the Observatory said that a new convoy of tankers loaded with fuel entered Syrian territory, coming from Iraq. Some 39 tanks crossed the borders under the control of pro-Iranian militias in Al-Mayadeen and Albukamal in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor. The tankers passed through Deir Ezzor, heading towards Homs on their way to Lebanon.
Separately, the Observatory said people from Deir Ezzor, who work for Iranian militias in Syria, were increasingly purchasing real estate in various cities and towns of Eastern Ghouta.
According to civil sources from inside Eastern Ghouta, brokers from the region were recruited by a group of people affiliated with the local Al-Abbas Brigade militia, which operates under the Iranian forces.
Real estate recently purchased by the brigade amounted to more than 300 properties, with a value ranging between 25 and 125 million Syrian pounds, depending on the area and location.