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How the Syrian government benefits from opening crossings with opposition-held areas

Russia announced that the Syrian government was getting ready to open several crossings with the Syrian opposition in Idlib, a move that is mainly seen as an attempt by the regime to alleviate the economic strain of US sanctions.
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ALEPPO, Syria — Russian forces in Syria recently announced the Syrian government was opening several crossings with the Syrian opposition in Idlib in northwestern Syria in order to facilitate the return of the displaced.

Deputy director of the Russian Khmeimim air base in Latakia Maj. Gen. Vyacheslav Sitnik said Feb. 15 in a statement to the Russian state-owned Ria Novosti news agency, “Syrian authorities will open three additional crossings [allowing] residents to leave Idlib due to the deterioration of the economic situation there and shortage of medical assistance.”

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