The UN halts Türkiye-Syria aid route, after more than 65,000 life-saving journeys

This transition reflects a positive shift towards the normalization of trade relations, allowing critical humanitarian supplies to reach those in need through regular commercial channels.

The UN aid line was established in July 2014 following its endorsement Security Council resolution S/RES/2165.

Emergency measures, which become everyday lifesavers

Designed as an emergency measure to avoid changes in security conditions and damage to infrastructure, this operation became an important lifeline for millions of people.

Between August 2014 and route closure, 58,955 trucks distributed aid, with an additional 6,124 trucks distributed through consent-based agreements with Syrian authorities, bringing the total to more than 65,000 trips.

UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric announced the conclusion of the mission during his regular daily press conference on Monday, highlighting broad scope of work performed over the last decade.

“More than a decade after its inception, the UN has now completed a cross-border humanitarian operation from Türkiye to Syria, following the reopening of border crossings to commercial traffic and improved access through regular supply routes,” Dujarric said.

He emphasized the scale of the logistical achievement, saying: “Our humanitarian colleagues say this is absolutely true one of the largest and most complex humanitarian supply chains…the need to coordinate across countries and authorities, and the challenges of channeling aid through changing security conditions.”

Earthquake horror

He reminded journalists of the devastating earthquake that overturned the border area in February 2023.

Throughout the operation, UN humanitarian inspection teams conducted independent verification to ensure compliance and transparency. According to the UN, the trucks are delivering vital aid to these countries supports an average of 1.25 million people annually.

“During these years, we managed to send more than 65,000 truckloads of critical aid across borders to support an average of 1.25 million people annually.added Mr. Dujarric.

UN aid coordination office, Ochacharacterized the closure of these operations as a forward-looking transition built on partnership, accountability and impact.

Head of Relief Services Tom Fletcher indicated that the new model builds on years of continued progress in the region, ensuring that aid delivery continues to grow as the stability of commercial supply chains improves.