According to a Turkish official the Oncupinar border gate with Syria has been closed for security reasons. (File photo: AFP)
Turkey shuts border gate after clashes in Syrian frontier town
Turkey has closed one of its border gates to Syria after an al Qaeda-affiliated rebel group clashed with units of the Arab- and Western-backed Free Syrian Army in the Syrian town of Azaz near the Turkish frontier, a Turkish official said on Thursday.
“The Oncupinar border gate has been closed for security reasons as there is still confusion about what is happening on the Syrian side. All humanitarian assistance that normally goes through the gate has ceased,” the official told Reuters.
While Turkey says it normally operates an open door policy, allowing Syrian refugees to cross freely into its territory, from time to time it temporarily closes its border crossings following clashes near its frontier.
Also Read
Editor's Choice
-
US-led effort to boost Lebanon’s army emerges as key pillar of Hezbollah disarmament Middle East 04 June ,2026 -
US, Iran send mixed signals on potential deal after latest attacks Middle East 28 May ,2026 -
Al Arabiya obtains final draft of preliminary US-Iran memorandum of understanding Middle East 25 May ,2026 -
Saudi position on Palestinian issue remains unchanged: Source Saudi Arabia 25 May ,2026