afrinpost-Exclusive
The Syrian regime has once again imposed restrictions on fuel entry into the Shahba region in northern Aleppo, home to over a hundred thousand displaced Kurds from Afrin and local residents. The Fourth Division, affiliated with the Syrian regime, has initiated a fuel blockade, triggering widespread discontent among the population.
Our correspondent reports that Fourth Division checkpoints have besieged the Shahba region by prohibiting the entry of fuel. The move has generated public outrage as the regime recurrently tightens control over fuel access, particularly with the onset of winter. The populace demands a definitive solution to the Fourth Division’s encroachments and the lifting of the blockade.
Our correspondent explains that regime checkpoints prevent fuel entry into the region to secure their share, amounting to half of the shipments. Additionally, they demand significant sums to allow the entry of fuel, aggravating the fuel shortage in Al-Shahba. This has compelled the local administration in Al-Shahba to reduce generator operating hours from four to only two hours. The blockade has also led to transportation disruptions, intensifying the suffering of residents, especially workers and employees commuting between towns in the region.
The Fourth Division, controlling the region’s entrances and exits, manipulates humanitarian aid, fuel, and medical supplies entering the area. They do so by imposing hefty financial levies, further squeezing the local population, exploiting the living conditions in the region.
It’s noteworthy that the Fourth Division has repeatedly barred fuel entry during the winter of 2022-2023, employing various tactics to tighten the grip on civilians. They also obstructed the entry of relief and medical supplies, imposed levies, and subjected civilians passing through their checkpoints to harassment and arbitrary detention without legal repercussions. These actions led to the suspension of most functioning institutions, public services, and transportation lines, fueling widespread public discontent and anger.
