Syria's internal border crossing key to power, revenues for government and opposition groups

The crossings inside Syrian territory divide the areas that fall under the control of rival parties, and are considered locations to prove control. They are also a key source of income for the party controlling them, as transit fees are collected for individuals, commodities and cars. They are also important trade exchange points for all parties. Deals are made for traders in different areas, and the necessary commodities are secured for each party. 

Each area has its own economic advantages. The areas under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are rich in oil, cotton and grains, while the opposition-held areas have plenty of vegetables, fruits, olives and animals. The government-held areas have basic commodities such as medication, tobacco, car parts and traditional foodstuffs. 

The crossings are also used by individuals to conclude administrative transactions and pay social visits to other areas. They are also used for negotiations between individuals and for business development. The future of the internal crossings in Syria is linked to the development of military actions on the ground.

Anas Shawakh, a researcher at the Jusoor Center for Studies in Istanbul, told Al-Monitor, “Crossing points are the areas through which movement is ensured across different control areas. For the crossing to be official, representatives of both areas of control must be present on both sides of the crossing to organize work. The unofficial crossing or smuggling points are the areas or geographical locations through which individuals, merchandise and vehicles pass. They are not usually organized by the two parties in control of the areas, but by networks of smugglers. Since self-sufficiency cannot be fully implemented in the different areas of control in Syria, there had to be crossings between these areas to secure their needs.”