Tabqa-Salamiyah road closed for 8th day by Transitional Government

Forces of the Syrian Transitional Government have continued to close the road between the city of Tabqa in North and East Syria and the city of Salamiyah in Syria's interior for eight consecutive days. Meanwhile, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has maintained the road open without any closure or obstacles for travelers heading towards the transitional government checkpoints.

On October 5, transitional government forces completely closed the road to all passenger and cargo traffic. These forces are stationed at the Zakiyah junction near the Athriya area in the Syrian Badia of Hama, preventing vehicles from passing to and from North and East Syria. This has led to the detention of thousands of travelers, most of whom are patients and students, and prevented them from continuing on their journey.

According to testimonies from several bus drivers, the Transitional Government forces closed some of the secondary roads yesterday used by those forced to travel. These roads had previously been used for payment from travelers to local smugglers.

Meanwhile, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) maintains the road open 24 hours a day. Buses pass daily toward the Transitional Government forces' checkpoints, hoping to be allowed to pass. However, they are ultimately forced to turn back after waiting for hours to no avail.

On September 27, the Syrian Transitional Government closed the Deir Hafer-Aleppo road and subsequently targeted it several times, wounding a number of civilians. These forces were also observed erecting earthen barriers on the same road in the Deir Hafer area.

ANHA