Investigation into Syrian Civil Wars Route from Baniyas to Aleppo Continues

Baniyas Refinery in Syria Returns to Operation

On February 1st, a locomotive screech marked the start of the day at Baniyas Refinery, Syria’s largest oil-refining plant. The refinery, one of the last functioning arteries of the country’s fuel network, resumed operations after being closed during the Syrian civil war. Men in helmets filled tanker cars with fuel as supervisors from the Syrian Petroleum Company monitored the process.

The refinery, located in a coastal city near Tartous and Latakia, is a key logistical hub for post-war Syria. Hussam Hassan, head of train-filling operations since 2024, has worked at the refinery since 2002. He reported that activity has increased since the regime fell, with more frequent train departures.

The train convoy, consisting of 12 tanker-wagons carrying 5,000 tonnes of fuel oil, departed for the Aleppo Thermal Power Plant. The journey is expected to take between 15 and 35 hours. Nidal Abdulkader, director of Syrian Railways operations in Tartous governorate, described the journey as “gruelling”.

Abdulkader, who was a train driver from 2000 to 2011, noted that the war severely damaged Syria’s rail system, with many sections destroyed or looted. The tracks have been largely dismantled, and the network no longer connects major cities. Abdulkader recalled when passenger trains linked major cities in just a few hours.

The refinery staff and rail workers are crucial for keeping post-war Syria powered. Hassan emphasized that their work is essential for supplying energy to power plants across the country. The system’s decline has resulted in vegetation over tracks, old wagons rusting, and outdated equipment.

By noon, the tankers were full, and the train was ready to depart. Abdulkader expressed his determination to overcome the difficulties facing Syria’s rail system, one by one.

Source: Al Jazeera