Syrian Kurds frustrated by closure of Semalka border crossing

SEMALKA, Syria — Syrian Kurds have spoken to Rudaw of their frustration amid border closures preventing travel to and from the Kurdistan Region. 

The Semalka-Fiskhabur crossing, which connects northeast Syria (Rojava) with the Kurdistan Region, was closed last week amid a rift between border authorities. 

"We are very angry today. We have little children with us. We have been stuck here since 5 am in the morning. This child is dying of the heat here. We want the road to be open so people can cross [into the Kurdistan Region] and go back to their homes," said Mencala Salih. 

"I am a resident of  Bardarash camp. I returned [to Rojava] for medical treatment a month and seven days ago. I am stuck now. I want to return, but the road is closed. It will become very difficult for us if we are not able to return," added Shekha Mustafa Welo. 

The crossing has partially reopened on Monday, but only for limited cases. 

Home to hundreds of thousands of displaced people, Rojava has depended on the Semalka border crossing for aid deliveries.

The border was closed by the KRG due to political rifts with the ruling Democratic Union Party (PYD) in Rojava, but it was opened in 2016 in order to allow humanitarian goods, medicine, and food across.

Translation by Zhelwan Zeyad Wali

Video editing by Sarkawt Mohammed