Bridge built by Russian military in Syria washed away
A Russian-built bridge across the Euphrates in Syria was destroyed due to rising water levels in the river, according to RIA Novosti.
On September 23 last year, construction on a 212-meter automobile bridge was begun by the Russian military in the suburb of Deir-ez-Zor. A week later, the construction was handed over to Syria. It was intended to be used for the transfer of military equipment and personnel to the eastern shore of the Euphrates.
On January 6, 2018, the water level and the speed of the current in the river rose sharply, causing the bridge to collapse.
“An investigation conducted by Syrian experts showed that the sudden change in the water level and speed was due to the deliberate opening of the floodgates on the Tabqa Dam, which is located in the territory of opposition groups controlled by the international coalition led by the United States,” the Defense Ministry said.
“There was no technical need to discharge water. It was done with some other purpose,” experts said.