Syria to Close Hammam and Ras al-Ayn Border Crossings on Turkish Border

Official Notification Sent to Ministry of Trade The Syrian administration has announced its decision to close two significant customs gates on the Turkish border.
In an official letter conveyed to the Turkish Ministry of Trade via the Damascus Embassy, it was reported that the Hammam gate, located opposite the Zeytindalı Customs Gate in Hatay’s Kumlu district, and the Ras al-Ayn gate, opposite the Ceylanpınar Customs Gate in Şanlıurfa, will be closed by the end of February.
Reason for Closure: Costs and Alternative Routes The decision was reportedly taken due to financial reasons, specifically high operating expenses and the proximity of alternative gates in the region.
The Syrian side stated that maintaining the operation of these gates is not sustainable under current economic conditions.
Call for Revision from the Business Community Highlighting the potential impact on the regional economy, Necmettin Zaroğlu, President of the Reyhanlı Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized that this move would disrupt border trade.
Zaroğlu stated that the decision should be reconsidered, taking into account the economic repercussions and commercial activity in the region.