KDP forces close Rojava Sêmalka Border Crossing with metal blocks

The Iraqi side of the Sêmalka Border Crossing between Syria and Iraq was closed by Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) forces at Peshabor (Pêşxabur) with large metal blocks in the early hours of the morning, Roj News reports.

For 73 days families of People’s Defence Forces (HPG) fighters who died in an ambush by the KDP have been taking action, demanding that the bodies of their family members be handed over to them. The families have marched to the Sêmalka Border Crossing and held a vigil there for months. However, to date the KDP has not handed the bodies of the HPG fighters over to the families.

Yesterday, protesters from Qamishlo city in North and East Syria arrived at the Sêmalka Border Crossing to support the families after 3 days of walking, but when they arrived there they were faced with violence from the KDP. Several people were injured as a result of attacks and the use of tear gas.

It has been also reported that the KDP has stopped all border-related activities at the border crossing this morning. The KDP has closed the Sêmalka Border Crossing many times before, and imposed embargoes on the people of North and East Syria (Rojava).