Three Syrian Oil Refinery Workers Killed in Coalition Airstrikes: Watchdog

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stated Monday that three employees, working in an oil refinery in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor, died due to air strikes, carried out by US led coalition.

MOSCOW, January 12 (Sputnik) — Three employees at an oil refinery in the eastern Syrian province of Deir Ezzor have been killed in airstrikes, carried out by the US-led international coalition against the Islamic State, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said Monday.

“Reliable sources reported to SOHR that 3 employees, working in an oil refinery in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor, died due to air strikes, carried out by US led coalition,” SOHR said on its official website.

According to the London-based watchdog, the deadly airstrikes were carried out late Sunday.

The US-led coalition has been targeting Islamic State positions in Syria since September, without coordinating its actions with the Syrian government. Syrian Armed Forces are also carrying out airstrikes, as well as a ground offensive against the militants.

The jihadist group, which is also active in neighboring Iraq, has seized vast territories in both countries, proclaiming a caliphate on the territories it controls. Known for its brutal tactics, including mass executions, IS has forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes.