**Sabotage Halts Syria Gas Pipeline in Latest Attack on Energy Sector**
*By Aleksandar Brezar, Euronews World, 29 September 2026*
An explosion on a gas pipeline in eastern Syria has disrupted gas flow to power stations, marking the latest incident of sabotage targeting the country’s energy infrastructure. The explosion, which occurred on Monday evening, was attributed to a sectional valve being deliberately damaged, according to the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA). The affected pipeline runs between the Al-Shoula area and Deir ez-Zor, a region that has been a focal point for ongoing attacks on energy facilities.
The Syrian Petroleum Company confirmed that the explosion resulted in a fire that halted gas supplies from the Al-Jabsah plant, one of Syria's primary gas processing facilities. The exact perpetrators of this act of sabotage remain unidentified, but the region has been plagued by violence since the defeat of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in 2019. Remnants of IS have been known to target energy infrastructure in Deir ez-Zor in a bid to undermine the Syrian government's efforts to secure its energy logistics.
This incident is not isolated; a similar attack occurred on 18 August when another gas pipeline at the same facility was reportedly sabotaged. The ongoing assaults on energy infrastructure come amid rising fuel prices across Syria, leading to widespread public discontent. Citizens have expressed frustration over the increasing costs, which authorities have attributed in part to the ongoing conflict in the region, particularly the war in Iran.
Before the onset of the civil war in 2011, Syria was producing approximately 30 million cubic meters of gas per day, primarily for electricity generation. However, current production levels have plummeted to around 8.5 million cubic meters, while demand remains significantly higher, fluctuating between 22 and 25 million cubic meters, according to Energy Minister Mohammad al-Bashir. This stark contrast highlights the challenges facing the country as it grapples with energy shortages in the wake of years of conflict.
In an effort to revitalize the gas sector and attract foreign investment, the new Syrian authorities, who came to power following the ousting of long-time leader Bashar al-Assad in 2024, signed a contract with the American oil company ConocoPhillips earlier this year. This partnership aims to bolster the gas industry as part of broader post-war reconstruction efforts.
The Al-Jabsah facility, which was recently returned to full government control, plays a critical role in Syria's energy landscape. However, ongoing sabotage and attacks threaten to undermine these reconstruction efforts and exacerbate the already dire energy situation in the country.
As the Syrian government continues to face challenges in securing its energy infrastructure, the situation remains precarious. The persistent threat of sabotage from militant groups underscores the fragility of the region's stability and the difficulties that lie ahead for Syria in restoring its energy sector and meeting the needs of its population.