Deir Ezzor | Closure of a crossing linking SDF areas with regime areas raises concerns among residents

Deir Ezzor province: Dernaj crossing, which links SDF-held areas and regime areas, was closed, raising concerns among local residents in the city of Al-Asharah in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor, as the crossing is considered as a vital artery for trade and humanitarian needs between both sides.
The closure came after the intervention of a military committee of the Syrian regime, which prevented movement from Al-Asharah area. Armed groups linked to Iranian militias, known as “Abu Bassam Al-Settam” group, also attempted to storm the crossing and attack SDF posts in Dernaj in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor, which led to tensions.
For their part, National Defence members in Al-Asharah city prevented members of the Iranian militia from attacking SDF posts, which led to escalating tensions in the area, and it is feared that clashes will escalate in the coming days, which could negatively affect the lives of civilians on both sides.
As concern grows among residents, fears grow that the humanitarian situation could deteriorate, as many residents rely on the crossing to secure their basic needs. The situation is similar in other areas such as Al-Bulil and Al-Sabhah, where there are reports of possible clashes.
On July 9, the crossing was reopened by SDF two days after being closed.
The crossing is important for the regime forces as it is used for smuggling fuels from SDF-held areas to regime-held areas, and smuggling drugs from regime-held areas to SDF-held areas.