10/03/2020

U.S. patrol intercepts Russian convoy in North and East Syria

North and East Syria – As the U.S. and Russia compete for influence in the region, both sides are sending out patrols and military convoys to control, secure and resolve conflict in the region. But these operations are not without bickering and small riling clashes between the two forces.

On the back of proving and claiming its presence in the region, Russia sent more than nineteen vehicles to the city of Qamishli, unloading their cargo at the main Russian base in the city. The action came after U.S. forces intercepted a large Russian convoy in Tal Tamr, Khabour valley, which was coming from Aleppo via the International Road M4 heading for Qamishli. There the Russian convoy was forced to stop, forced to take the border road that passes from the town of Abo Rasin and passing through the cities of Darbasiyah and Amuda, to Qamishli.

It should be noted that under an agreement between the SDF and Russian forces, Russian forces only take border routes without using the main roads leading into the areas of Qamishli and al-Hassaka.

This comes as both sides struggle for influence in the region, although both sides have emphasized effective coordination on their forces’ movements and operations in the region.