TEHRAN, Oct. 28 (MNA) – An explosion was reported late Sunday at the Al-Tanf base, a military installation used by US forces on the Iraq-Syria border.

Arab sources confirmed that the blast was heard from within the base, though the cause remains unclear, and there have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

The incident comes amidst a period of heightened tensions in the region, with recent security concerns involving US military installations.

The Al-Tanf base, located in Syria’s Homs province near the tri-border area with Iraq and Jordan, serves as a strategic point for US and coalition forces, who have maintained a presence in the region to counter Islamic State militants and monitor Iran-backed militias.

It is often referred to as a critical buffer zone intended to prevent the movement of hostile forces across the border areas.

So far, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has not issued any statements regarding the explosion, and the full extent of the situation remains uncertain.

Incident Follows Earlier Explosions at Al-Omar Oil Field

The reported blast at Al-Tanf follows another incident earlier on Sunday, when several explosions were heard at the Al-Omar oil field, another location where US forces are stationed in Syria.

Al-Omar, situated in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor province, is one of the country’s largest oil fields and a significant strategic site due to ongoing conflicts over territorial control and resources.

There have been no confirmed reports linking the two incidents, but they raise questions about the potential targeting of US military assets.

There have been ongoing attacks on US bases in Syria in recent weeks, with the al-Tanf base in particular experiencing sporadic assaults, often attributed to Iran-aligned militia groups.

These incidents have primarily involved rocket fire and drone strikes, though most have resulted in minor or no casualties, thanks in part to the defensive systems in place at the base.

Strategic Importance of Al-Tanf Base

Al-Tanf has been a focal point of geopolitical friction in Syria due to its location and military significance. As a desert outpost, it is strategically positioned to monitor and potentially disrupt the movement of militants and military supplies across the Syria-Iraq border.

The US military presence at Al-Tanf dates back to the fight against ISIS in 2016, when it was established as a training and logistical hub for Syrian opposition forces.

The base’s continued use has been a point of contention, especially with Syrian and allied Iranian-backed forces, which view the US presence as an illegal occupation.

Meanwhile, the US argues that its military operations in Syria are legal under international law, citing the ongoing threat posed by terrorist groups.

Tensions in the Region

The reported explosion at Al-Tanf adds to a series of security incidents affecting US military installations in Syria and Iraq. The exact circumstances of the explosion are still under investigation, and the potential implications remain unclear.

However, the region has seen rising tensions and frequent confrontations between US forces and Iran-aligned militias, which have grown more frequent in recent months.

With the absence of immediate confirmation or details from CENTCOM, the situation continues to be monitored closely. The latest incident underscores the volatile environment in the region, where geopolitical rivalries and localized conflicts persist.