Burning of local oil refineries in Deir ez-Zor countryside sparks public anger

The Syrian Interim Government has set fire to civilian-run oil refineries in the countryside of Deir ez-Zor, triggering public anger amid fuel shortages and deteriorating services.

16 February, 2026 10:27

NEWSDESK

The Syrian Interim Government ignited fires in a number of civilian-run oil refineries in the Deir ez-Zor countryside.

Activists circulated video footage on social media showing the refineries ablaze, as public outrage and rising tensions spread, given that a large segment of the population relies on these refineries as a primary source of income.

This comes in parallel with fuel shortages and declining services in the region, following recent attacks by factions affiliated with the Interim Government on Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor, and the repositioning of Syrian Democratic Forces in areas of Rojava.

For its part, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that the burning operations have taken place intensively over the past few days, further exacerbating the already dire living conditions of residents.

A-H

ANHA