Syria’s Oil Revival Is Weakening Russia’s Influence in the Country

AI Summary

Syria is gradually restoring its oil production in key northeastern fields previously controlled by Kurdish-led forces, following a recent military offensive. This revival is decreasing Russia's influence in the region as Damascus regains important oil assets.

Syrian oil is clawing its way back, methodically. Onshore, the immediate issue is returning Syria’s existing oil production to Damascus. Most producing fields are concentrated in Deir ez-Zor and Hasakah in the northeast, territory Damascus lost during the civil war, eventually to the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Courtesy of a January military offensive against the SDF, Damascus has recovered the most important Deir ez-Zor assets, including the largest (Omar), the Tanak oil field, and the Conoco gas field. The Syrian Petroleum…