US Confirms Involvement in Syria Airfield Expansion
In-Depth Coverage
by Zana Omar, Carla Babb February 03, 2016
At the urging of an American contingent, Syrian Kurds are expanding an airbase on farmland in northeast Syria that could be used for military purposes, according to Kurdish and U.S. officials.
Known as Abu Hajar airport, the airbase is located in the Rmelan area of northern Syria, and is controlled by the Kurdish People's Defense Units and the Syrian Democratic Forces. Neither has an air force.
A team of Americans pitched the idea to Syrian Democratic Forces to extend the runway, a defense official told VOA on the condition of anonymity.
The official Wednesday said the airfield is being extended from 700 meters to 1,300 meters.
The extension would be long enough to allow C-130 transport planes to land on the strip and potentially supply those fighting Islamic State forces in the area.
"We need runways over there. Our guys said, 'Hey, it might not be a bad idea to extend this runway,'" the official said.
The official added that while Americans did suggest the runway extension, there are no Americans physically helping with the airfield improvement.
Airbase use
Talal Silo, a spokesman for the Syria Democratic Forces, told VOA the airbase previously was used to carry agricultural products in the region and is now being expanded for humanitarian and, possibly, military use.
"This does not mean it is a military base," he said. "We will use it to receive humanitarian and reconstruction aid."
Still, Silo told VOA that using the airbase for military purposes by the U.S. is a possibility because "we are a strategic partner to the U.S."
"This is a normal thing to happen as a part of our strategic partnership with the U.S," Silo said. "In the past, we received three airdrops of ammunition from the Americans. In the future, we may come to an agreement with the U.S. to use the airbase for aircrafts. We will not oppose that."
Two U.S officials denied any U.S. military involvement in the planning or extending of the airfield, but refused to confirm or deny reports of CIA involvement.
Not 'US defense effort'
Another U.S. official cautioned that the airfield expansion is "not a U.S. defense effort."
'The U.S. military has not taken control of any airfield in Syria and press reports to the contrary are incorrect," Colonel Pat Ryder, a spokesman for U.S. Central Command, which overseas military operations in Iraq and Syria, told VOA in a statement. "That being said, U.S. forces in Syria are consistently looking for ways to increase efficiency for logistics and personnel recovery support.'
Still, the Kurdish military spokesman Silo said American military experts will soon come to train Kurdish forces.
"These experts will need a lot of equipment that can be sent via planes," he said.
Imagery and eyewitness accounts in Syria and Iraq have appeared to support increased involvement by the United States.
Showed construction
According to the global intelligence company Stratfor, low-resolution satellite imagery, taken December 28 and released last month, showed construction to extend the runway.
A VOA reporter who visited the airbase over the weekend found that it is heavily protected by walls and forces belonging to Kurdish Protection Units and Syrian Democratic Forces.
No journalists are allowed to enter the area.
The airfield is 120 kilometers from the Qamishli airport – a civilian airport controlled by the Syrian government that is reported being used by Russian military aircraft flying missions in support of the regime.
No Russian presence
There was no evidence of a Russian military presence at Qamishli airport when VOA visited, but Fesla Yusif, deputy leader of the National Council of Syrian Kurds, confirmed the presence of Russian forces there.
Yusif said he is troubled by what appears to be an increasing U.S. and Russian footprint in northern Syria, which largely has been free of fighting or an IS presence during Syria's civil war.
"Syria is in a very bad and uncertain situation," Yusif said. "International powers have increased their presence in the country without a clear strategy.'
VOA's Rikar Hussein contributed to this report.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2016/02/mil-160203-voa02.htm?_m=3n.002a.1631.qx0ao0791x.1hxy
In-Depth Coverage
by Zana Omar, Carla Babb February 03, 2016
At the urging of an American contingent, Syrian Kurds are expanding an airbase on farmland in northeast Syria that could be used for military purposes, according to Kurdish and U.S. officials.
Known as Abu Hajar airport, the airbase is located in the Rmelan area of northern Syria, and is controlled by the Kurdish People's Defense Units and the Syrian Democratic Forces. Neither has an air force.
A team of Americans pitched the idea to Syrian Democratic Forces to extend the runway, a defense official told VOA on the condition of anonymity.
The official Wednesday said the airfield is being extended from 700 meters to 1,300 meters.
The extension would be long enough to allow C-130 transport planes to land on the strip and potentially supply those fighting Islamic State forces in the area.
"We need runways over there. Our guys said, 'Hey, it might not be a bad idea to extend this runway,'" the official said.
The official added that while Americans did suggest the runway extension, there are no Americans physically helping with the airfield improvement.
Airbase use
Talal Silo, a spokesman for the Syria Democratic Forces, told VOA the airbase previously was used to carry agricultural products in the region and is now being expanded for humanitarian and, possibly, military use.
"This does not mean it is a military base," he said. "We will use it to receive humanitarian and reconstruction aid."
Still, Silo told VOA that using the airbase for military purposes by the U.S. is a possibility because "we are a strategic partner to the U.S."
"This is a normal thing to happen as a part of our strategic partnership with the U.S," Silo said. "In the past, we received three airdrops of ammunition from the Americans. In the future, we may come to an agreement with the U.S. to use the airbase for aircrafts. We will not oppose that."
Two U.S officials denied any U.S. military involvement in the planning or extending of the airfield, but refused to confirm or deny reports of CIA involvement.
Not 'US defense effort'
Another U.S. official cautioned that the airfield expansion is "not a U.S. defense effort."
'The U.S. military has not taken control of any airfield in Syria and press reports to the contrary are incorrect," Colonel Pat Ryder, a spokesman for U.S. Central Command, which overseas military operations in Iraq and Syria, told VOA in a statement. "That being said, U.S. forces in Syria are consistently looking for ways to increase efficiency for logistics and personnel recovery support.'
Still, the Kurdish military spokesman Silo said American military experts will soon come to train Kurdish forces.
"These experts will need a lot of equipment that can be sent via planes," he said.
Imagery and eyewitness accounts in Syria and Iraq have appeared to support increased involvement by the United States.
Showed construction
According to the global intelligence company Stratfor, low-resolution satellite imagery, taken December 28 and released last month, showed construction to extend the runway.
A VOA reporter who visited the airbase over the weekend found that it is heavily protected by walls and forces belonging to Kurdish Protection Units and Syrian Democratic Forces.
No journalists are allowed to enter the area.
The airfield is 120 kilometers from the Qamishli airport – a civilian airport controlled by the Syrian government that is reported being used by Russian military aircraft flying missions in support of the regime.
No Russian presence
There was no evidence of a Russian military presence at Qamishli airport when VOA visited, but Fesla Yusif, deputy leader of the National Council of Syrian Kurds, confirmed the presence of Russian forces there.
Yusif said he is troubled by what appears to be an increasing U.S. and Russian footprint in northern Syria, which largely has been free of fighting or an IS presence during Syria's civil war.
"Syria is in a very bad and uncertain situation," Yusif said. "International powers have increased their presence in the country without a clear strategy.'
VOA's Rikar Hussein contributed to this report.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2016/02/mil-160203-voa02.htm?_m=3n.002a.1631.qx0ao0791x.1hxy
Today at 5:43 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi dinar is recovering against the US dollar in local markets
Today at 5:42 am by Rocky
» Iraq.. The claim that OPEC’s decisions affect oil derivatives only and not crude is “inaccurate”
Today at 5:39 am by Rocky
» Al-Bawi: Erdogan failed in his promises to his people and seeks to plunge Iraq into its conflict wit
Today at 5:37 am by Rocky
» The Sudanese and his battle against corruption.. Where is the fault with the government or with the
Today at 5:36 am by Rocky
» Amnesty International criticizes Iraq's implementation of 13 death sentences
Today at 5:34 am by Rocky
» The ambassador is very angry with Parliament: The homosexuality law obstructs the government and har
Today at 5:33 am by Rocky
» Al-Mandalawi: There is no place for homosexuality in the Iraq of the prophets and saints, and that i
Today at 5:32 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani receives the President of the University: Towards the strength and status of the Arab syst
Today at 5:31 am by Rocky
» Ayed Al-Hilali: All leaders are discussing “the finer details of Sudanese” tonight, and Barzani join
Today at 5:30 am by Rocky
» He announced the reception of offers from three alliances from international companies for the Baghd
Today at 5:28 am by Rocky
» During his meeting with the head of the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate... Al-Amiri stresses the importa
Today at 5:26 am by Rocky
» To address the dollar exchange rate... Mazhar Muhammad explains the risks of floating the Iraqi dina
Today at 5:25 am by Rocky
» During the launch of the Arab Labor Conference in its 50th session in Baghdad... Al-Sudani: We launc
Today at 5:24 am by Rocky
» Saudi Arabia announces an increase in direct flights with Iraq
Today at 5:23 am by Rocky
» Resources: Government measures have contributed to improving the water situation in Iraq
Today at 5:22 am by Rocky
» Al-Sadr: The voice of American universities calling for an end to Zionist terrorism is our voice
Today at 5:21 am by Rocky
» International organization: 50% of displaced Iraqis lack official documents
Today at 5:20 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: The path of development will provide many job opportunities
Today at 5:19 am by Rocky
» Parliament Finance: The necessity of converting tax and customs revenues to digital processing
Today at 5:18 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani announces that clues have been found to uncover those involved in the Kormor bombing
Today at 5:16 am by Rocky
» The start of the work of the Fourth Baghdad International Water Conference
Today at 5:09 am by Rocky
» The Council of Ministers will suspend official working hours next Wednesday
Today at 5:07 am by Rocky
» An almost complete outage of water and electricity in western Anbar
Today at 5:06 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary expectations of extending the legislative term to approve the budget
Today at 5:00 am by Rocky
» Education: The cost of participating in the electronic school will amount to 200 thousand dinars
Today at 4:59 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani arrives in Riyadh to participate in the World Economic Forum
Today at 4:58 am by Rocky
» A newspaper reveals a dark world that brings together bloggers and politicians
Today at 4:57 am by Rocky
» Al-Marsoumi: The bombing of the Kormor field undermined efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in gas
Today at 4:55 am by Rocky
» utube MM&C 4/24/24 Support - USA- Turkey - Timing- Currency Value - Tabled
Yesterday at 3:18 pm by Rocky
» utube MM&C 4/26/24 Iraqi Dinar - US Treasury Exchange Rates- Focus - Banking Partnerships - Rate C
Yesterday at 3:17 pm by Rocky
» Parliamentary efforts to transform Iraq into a global market for transferring Internet capacities
Yesterday at 3:07 pm by Rocky
» A parliamentary committee that enriches the political forces: Stop plundering Iraq’s wealth and work
Yesterday at 2:56 pm by Rocky
» Politician: Salem Al-Issawi is the most likely to assume the presidency of Parliament
Yesterday at 2:55 pm by Rocky
» The price of the dollar is close to 145 thousand dinars؛ how much is $100 worth of transactions؟
Yesterday at 12:57 pm by wciappetta
» Al-Sudani: The world today is witnessing crises whose impact has been reflected in the global econo
Yesterday at 10:50 am by Rocky
» The Federal Court responds to an inquiry by Al-Sudani regarding the powers of the provincial council
Yesterday at 10:40 am by Rocky
» Among them are the Iraqis... a list of the most sought-after immigrants to America
Yesterday at 10:38 am by Rocky
» An expert talks about the "biggest barrier" and the positives of merging Iraqi and Arab banks
Yesterday at 10:29 am by Rocky
» The House of Representatives adjourns its session
Yesterday at 10:24 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary demands to expedite the legislation of the Eid al-Ghadir holiday law (documents)
Yesterday at 10:23 am by Rocky
» Parliament adds the paragraph “Electing the Speaker of the House of Representatives” to its agenda
Yesterday at 10:21 am by Rocky
» Alsumaria publishes the text of the law against prostitution and homosexuality
Yesterday at 10:20 am by Rocky
» A parliamentarian reveals the reason for the failure of the Speaker of Parliament to pass during tod
Yesterday at 10:19 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: The government has launched many strategies and initiatives that will improve the reality
Yesterday at 9:42 am by Rocky
» International Business: Iraq has made progress in supporting businesses through investment and priva
Yesterday at 9:33 am by Rocky
» Association of Banks: Iraq is witnessing great development in the transition to electronic governmen
Yesterday at 9:25 am by Rocky
» The House of Representatives votes to add an item to its agenda (election of the Speaker of the Hous
Yesterday at 9:22 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary integrity: Combating corruption requires parliamentary legislation
Yesterday at 9:15 am by Rocky
» Al-Karaawi: America is trying to restrict Iraq
Yesterday at 9:13 am by Rocky
» The State of Law coalition moves to form the local government in Diyala
Yesterday at 9:12 am by Rocky
» The Sudanese and his battle against corruption.. Where is the fault with the government or with the
Yesterday at 9:11 am by Rocky
» Prime Minister's Advisor: We will see the dollar fall on the black market soon
Yesterday at 9:09 am by Rocky
» The Sunni blocs are resolute. The presidency of the Council is ours, away from Al-Halbousi
Yesterday at 9:08 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani discusses with a workers’ organization his government’s steps in this field
Yesterday at 8:58 am by Rocky
» Parliament holds its session in the presence of 170 deputies
Yesterday at 8:57 am by Rocky
» In the presence of Nechirvan Barzani and Al-Sudani... the State Administration Coalition holds an “i
Yesterday at 8:55 am by Rocky
» The UAE company ADNOC resorts to Iraqi oil. Find out the reasons
Yesterday at 8:53 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi Parliament votes to add an item to elect a president to its agenda
Yesterday at 8:52 am by Rocky
» The Federal Court responds to an inquiry by Al-Sudani regarding the powers of the provincial council
Yesterday at 8:51 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: It is necessary to attract women to work as a productive energy that cannot be disrupted
Yesterday at 8:47 am by Rocky
» Zebari regarding targeting the Kormor field: a systematic attack on the economy of Kurdistan
Yesterday at 8:46 am by Rocky
» Saudi Arabia tops, and this is Iraq's rank... a list of major suppliers of crude oil to South Korea
Yesterday at 8:45 am by Rocky
» With a value of 125 million dollars.. Iraq is at the forefront of countries importing Iranian textil
Yesterday at 8:44 am by Rocky
» More than a billion dollars in sales from the Iraqi Central Bank within a week
Yesterday at 8:43 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani stresses the need for the expertise of the International Labor Organization to legislate a
Yesterday at 8:29 am by Rocky
» Including the return of 21 wanted persons.. The Iraq Money Recovery Fund counts its achievements in
Yesterday at 8:27 am by Rocky
» The path to development is the criterion between true patriotism and political clowning.
Yesterday at 8:25 am by Rocky
» The file of the Presidency of Parliament is on the state administration table... this evening
Yesterday at 8:22 am by Rocky
» Director General of the International Labor Organization: Many challenges in the world of work and t
Yesterday at 8:20 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: The world is witnessing crises that reflect negatively on the Arab and international peop
Yesterday at 8:11 am by Rocky
» Prime Minister: Our government has provided great support for the success of the activities, program
Yesterday at 8:08 am by Rocky
» Al-Asadi: Iraq places the social protection file among its priorities
Yesterday at 8:07 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: Iraq is one of the first countries in the region to join the International Labor Organiza
Yesterday at 8:05 am by Rocky
» In the presence of Al-Sudani and Barzani, the State Administration Coalition holds an “important” me
Yesterday at 8:03 am by Rocky
» Appreciating the presence of Al-Sudani... Director General of the Arab Labor Organization: Here from
Yesterday at 6:29 am by Rocky
» Prime Minister: Our government has provided great support for the success of the activities, program
Yesterday at 6:28 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: The world is witnessing crises that reflect negatively on the Arab and international peop
Yesterday at 6:24 am by Rocky
» The Parliamentary Development Institute organizes a workshop on the political role of the representa
Yesterday at 6:22 am by Rocky
» With Arab and international participation. Tomorrow will be the start of the Fourth Baghdad Internat
Yesterday at 6:21 am by Rocky
» OPEC Secretary General: The end of oil is not on the horizon
Yesterday at 6:19 am by Rocky
» Closing a number of unlicensed offices and companies south of Baghdad
Yesterday at 6:16 am by Rocky
» Repercussions of the bombing...intensive government movements to resume work in the “Kormor” field
Yesterday at 6:15 am by Rocky
» In the presence of Al-Sudani...the opening of the Arab Labor Conference in its 50th session in Baghd
Yesterday at 6:14 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: We are working on drawing future visions regarding the “green and digital” economic secto
Yesterday at 6:13 am by Rocky
» Barzani after the Kormor attack: We are ready to coordinate with Baghdad to put an end to these atta
Yesterday at 6:10 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani directs the formation of an investigative committee into the circumstances of the Kormo fi
Yesterday at 6:08 am by Rocky
» Bismayah is confused about the new electronic portal.. What about the landlord and the subcontracts?
Yesterday at 6:07 am by Rocky
» Kurdistan Government: Loss of 2,500 megawatts of electricity due to targeting the Kormor field
Yesterday at 6:06 am by Rocky
» Crisis in Kurdistan: 12-hour daily power outage and complaints of “confusion”
Yesterday at 6:05 am by Rocky
» The Supreme Anti-Corruption Commission demands Nineveh for the contracts concluded by “Najm Al-Jubou
Yesterday at 6:04 am by Rocky
» Al-Khanjar, Al-Samarrai, and Abu Mazen are hosted by Shaalan Al-Karim to discuss accelerating the se
Yesterday at 6:03 am by Rocky
» Iraq asks the countries of the world to respond to its requests to extradite wanted persons: We have
Yesterday at 6:02 am by Rocky
» “It is coming soon.” The Sudanese advisor sets the date for the referral of the Baghdad metro and th
Yesterday at 6:01 am by Rocky
» Al-Mubarqa: Iraq reserves its full right to respond to the Australian behavior
Yesterday at 6:00 am by Rocky
» Dollar exchange rates on Iraqi stock exchanges... recorded a decline, and this is the list
Yesterday at 5:58 am by Rocky
» Mr. Al-Sadr supports the position of American university students
Yesterday at 5:56 am by Rocky
» Iraqis are ranked 7th in the Arab world on the list of those most seeking immigration to America. He
Yesterday at 5:55 am by Rocky
» Soon.. 3 new hospitals will open in Baghdad
Yesterday at 5:52 am by Rocky