Jordan closes border crossing into Syria – interior minister

AMMAN — Jordan on Friday closed its Jaber border crossing with Syria, amid rising escalation of violence in the northern neighbour.

Citing security concerns, Interior Minister Mazen Faraya decided to close the Jaber crossing, the only border post with Syria, which has been witnessing renewed fighting between the Syrian army and extremists.

The Kingdom closed the Ramtha border crossing with Syria long time ago following the outbreak of the conflict in the northern neighbour in 2011 and, with the closure of Jaber crossing on Friday, the more than 370 kilometres of borders between the two countries are now officially sealed off. 

Faraya said that the Jaber border crossing will be partially operating to receive Jordanians returning from Syria, while no passenger and cargo movement will be allowed from Jordan northwards into Syria, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Armed groups have been reported to gain more territory in Syria and advance southwards, amid reports about extremist-led fighters firing at Syria’s Nassib border crossing with Jordan.