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How Syrian opposition is trying to stop coronavirus from reaching its areas

The Syrian opposition-led government is penalizing anyone involved in smuggling operations in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Local groups in cooperation with the Turkish health department measure people's temperatures and inform them about the dangers of the spread of the coronavirus, on March 17, 2020 near the camp for displaced Syrians in Deir al-Ballut camp in Afrin's countryside in the northern Syrian province of Aleppo, along the border with Turkey. (Photo by Rami al SAYED / AFP) (Photo by RAMI AL SAYED/AFP via Getty Images)

ALEPPO — The Syrian opposition coalition announced a set of sanctions that will be taken against opposition members and leaders found to be involved in smuggling people and goods from border crossings and smuggling corridors along the lines of contact with the Syrian regime and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the Aleppo countryside.

The coalition, which is affiliated with the Free Syrian Army (FSA) said in an April 7 statement that any person who is proven to be involved in facilitating, covering up for or participating in smuggling operations “shall be dismissed from the [Turkish-backed FSA] and referred to the military judiciary.”

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