The Islamic State (ISIS) has been battling Syrian state forces in Homs region for the past 10 days, pushing hard to acquire several natural gas fields and refineries, along with air bases and other military objectives. While the US-led coalition is busy watching the battle of Kobani, there is a battle in Homs that may further complicate the Syrian conflict and the region’s politics.
Syria is the only significant crude oil-producing country in the Levant. The country's main oil reserves are primarily located in the eastern part of the country, in the Deir Ezzor Governorate near the Iraqi border and along the Euphrates River. Much smaller fields are located between Deir Ezzor and Palmyra, a region that is richer in natural gas.
Prior to the war Syria exported most of its oil to Europe, with Italy and Germany its main customers, but oil extraction activities ceased after the civil war began. Natural gas, however, is vital for domestic electricity production. Homs provides the fuel for lighting up Damascus, which has been affected by very long electricity cuts, sometimes for over 10 hours. If ISIS were to gain control of the gas fields in Homs, it could be crippling for the regime.