Türkiye will reopen border checkpoint with Syria that has been closed since 2013 - Erdoğan
Photo: President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (Getty Images)
Türkiye is reopening the Yayladagi border crossing with Syria to ensure the safe and voluntary return of millions of Syrian migrants it has accepted. The crossing had been closed since 2013 due to ongoing fighting, announces Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, according to Reuters.
"We are opening the Yayladagi border gate to crossings to prevent any congestion and ease traffic. We will also manage the processing of immigrants' voluntary returns in a way befitting our hosting," said Erdoğan.
Earlier, Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also stated that Ankara would work on the safe and voluntary return of Syrian migrants to their home country.
It is noted that Türkiye hosts around 3 million Syrian migrants and refugees, making it the country that has taken in the largest number of Syrian citizens fleeing the civil war.
Situation in Syria
On December 8, rebels in Syria managed to take control of Damascus. At the same time, it became known that dictator Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow and announced a "peaceful transfer of power."
Following this, some European countries decided to halt the consideration of asylum applications from Syrians. The possibility of deportation is even being considered.
