Explainer: Why Syria’s Assad opened two border crossings for earthquake aid
Aid has reached both Syrian government and rebel territory in response to the disaster, but the situation remains dire.
The United Nations announced late Monday that the government of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad has agreed to temporarily open two more border crossings into Syria following this month’s devastating earthquake that left more than 35,000 dead in Syria and Turkey.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said after meeting Assad that the Syrian president has agreed to open two border points from Turkey into northwest Syria. The crossings at Bab al-Salam and al-Rai will remain open for three months for humanitarian aid, according to a UN statement.
Bab al-Salam and al-Rai are both on Turkey’s border with northern Syria.
The UN’s emergency relief coordinator said Tuesday that trucks carrying aid entered Syria via Bab al-Salam following the announcement.
