According to a statement from the United Nations, Syria has granted permission for the U.N. to continue sending aid to opposition-held areas in the northwest of the country via two Turkish border crossings for an additional three months. This decision was announced on Monday.
In February, an earthquake resulted in the deaths of over 50,000 people in Turkey and Syria. Following this, Damascus initially allowed the U.N. to provide aid through the Turkish crossings for three months. This period has been extended for the third time and is now set to expire on Feb. 13.
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs released a statement saying, “The U.N. cross-border operation remains a lifeline to people in north-west Syria. Each month, the U.N. and partners reach an average of 2.5 million people with critical assistance and protection services.”
The extension of the U.N.’s use of the Bab al-Salam and Al Ra’ee crossings was confirmed by Syria’s mission to the United Nations in New York.
Since 2014, the United Nations had been using the Bab al-Hawa crossing from Turkey to deliver aid to millions in northwest Syria with authorization from the U.N. Security Council. However, this authorization expired in mid-July after the Security Council failed to reach an agreement to extend it.
Following this, the Syrian government stated that the U.N. could continue using the Bab al-Hawa crossing for an additional six months.
This year, the United Nations reported that more than 4,200 trucks carrying U.N. aid have utilized the Bab Al-Hawa, Bab Al-Salam, and Al Ra’ee border crossings.
Michelle Nichols reported on this story. Jonathan Oatis contributed to the editing process.
