One of the border crossings between Turkey and Syria will reopen on Tuesday after 12 years, officials there said on Monday. TASR informs about it according to the report of the AFP agency. The opening of the Akcakale crossing, located roughly in the middle of the Turkish-Syrian 900-kilometer border, is the latest result in Damascus’ improving relations with its neighbors.
- The Akcakale border crossing between Turkey and Syria will reopen on Tuesday.
- Turkey closed the Akcakale crossing in 2014 after occupying Tal Abyad.
- Ankara considers the Syrian Democratic Forces to be an offshoot of the outlawed militant PKK.
- In 2019, the passage was partially opened for the funeral business and government officials.
- After the crossing is fully opened, six of the twelve border crossings will be operational.
Turkey closed the crossing in 2014 after the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) captured the border town of Tal Abyad in northern Syria, which is located near the crossing. Ankara has long viewed the SDF as an offshoot of Turkey’s outlawed militant Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and a significant threat along its southern border.
The crossing was partially opened in 2019 for trade, funerals and the passage of government officials following a Turkish military operation against Islamic State jihadists and Kurdish fighters. The latest decision means that the crossing will also serve for civilians. In total, six of the twelve between Turkey and Syria will be open.
AFP reports that Ankara established close relations with the new leaders of Syriawhile interim president Ahmad Šara also participated in the diplomatic forum in the Turkish resort of Antalya in April.
