Turkey names new border crossing with Syria’s Afrin ‘Kumlu’

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

A new border crossing with northwestern Syria’s Afrin region will be named the “Kumlu Border Crossing,” with Turkish authorities aiming to use it to deliver humanitarian aid, according to an official source. 

The border crossing is part of Turkey’s efforts to develop the region, said the source who requested anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The source also said the construction of the gate had already begun, adding that necessary approvals were made for the setup of the border crossing, which would become operational within a short time.

On April 11, Customs and Trade Minister Bülent Tüfenkci told state-run Anadolu Agency that Turkey would open a new border crossing to Afrin in May. 

The gate would speed up the delivery of humanitarian aid to Afrin and meet the infrastructure needs of the region, Tüfenkci said, also noting that it would contribute to the promotion of trade in the region.

The Customs and Trade Ministry and the Hatay Governor’s Office in southern Turkey have agreed to open the crossing near the village of Hamam in Kumlu district.

The village is located near Jinderes, Afrin, which was captured by the Turkish Armed Forces and Free Syrian Army fighters during ‘Operation Olive Branch,’ which was launched on Jan. 20 to clear People’s Protection Units (YPG) from the area. 

It will also facilitate the transportation between Hatay and Afrin and contribute to security in the region, according to Turkish authorities.