Semalka border crossing between Syria and Kurdistan Region of Iraq closed during Eid al-Fitr

Qamishli – North-Press Agency

The administration of the Semalka border crossing with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, in Syria’s northeast reported that commercial trade at the crossing will stop during Eid al-Fitr (the Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan) next week.

Director of the Semalka Crossing Affairs Baz Ahmed told North-Press that the crossing is closed during Eid al-Fitr.

He explained that if Eid is next Saturday, the crossing will be closed for four days starting from Friday, but if it is on Sunday, the official working hours will start next Wednesday after the end of Eid.

The director said that there is "nothing new regarding travelers on either side of the crossing" and that it is still closed to civilians.

Due to the coronavirus outbreak in Iraq, on March 14th both the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria and the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq decided to close the crossing and only allow the passage of humanitarian aid and workers, while sheep export was allowed a few days ago.