(London Times) Michael Evans - Syria has expanded its oil-smuggling operation with Iraq by opening a second pipeline between the two countries, according to intelligence based on recent satellite photographs. Iraqi crude oil is reported to be flowing at the rate of 60,000 barrels a day through the new pipeline. The flow of oil through both Syrian pipelines - amounting to an estimated 200,000 barrels a day - has enabled Damascus to increase its own oil exports by around 50 percent. Imports of Iraqi oil are illegal unless approved by the United Nations' oil-for-food program agreed upon after the 1991 Gulf War.
2002-12-17 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive