2024-07-04 01:37:10
Turkish border authorities have closed several of the main border crossing points located in the northwestern part of the border with Syria, which is 900 km long.
This was reported by the Turkish newspaper “Birgun”, which refers to a source from the Reuters agency, which in turn quoted a Syrian opposition representative, according to whom the border crossing was closed yesterday.
It is not announced exactly how many checkpoints are closed and for what period of time.
On the border between Turkey and Syria, which is about 900 km long, there are 13 two-way border crossings.
The closure of border crossings in the northeastern border areas is a consequence of the tense events that broke out a few days ago.
Riots broke out on Sunday night in a district of Kayseri city over a case of sexual harassment of a seven-year-old child by a Syrian man.
The violence literally sparked a riot among the local population, who were ready to lynch Syrians living in the city, burning Syrian cars and shops. Dozens of people were arrested – both Turks and Syrians.
After a few hours, riots broke out on Syrian territory. Soldiers of the Syrian army burned the Turkish flag, tried to storm the headquarters of the Turkish army in the Afrin region. At least four people have been killed in clashes between Syrian protesters and Turkish soldiers. This was followed by a sharp statement by Turkish Defense Minister Yashar Güler against the provocative actions of the Syrian side, BTA reported.
Despite the numerous arrests, the tension in Turkey does not decrease, which is an expression of the accumulated dissatisfaction with the presence of the Syrians for 7 years, observers say.
The new focus of tension comes against the backdrop of recently announced bilateral statements by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Bashar Assad about a possible reconciliation. Namely, that they might meet and talk directly for the first time in seven years.
Turkish media even circulated that they might vacation together as a family, as they used to do years ago. There was talk that some gestures could be made on the Turkish side, such as visa relief for Syrians born in Turkey. Opposition leader Özgür Özel has promised that he is ready to mediate a reconciliation with Bashar al-Assad and arrange for the return of Syrian citizens to their country.
But amid the tense events that have erupted in recent days, the plans may be delayed.