Jump to content

M5 Motorway (Syria): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
m →‎top: wlink
 
(18 intermediate revisions by 7 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Most important road in Syria}}
{{Other uses2|M5 motorway}}
{{other uses|M5 motorway (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Infobox road
{{Infobox road
Line 14: Line 15:
| junction =
| junction =
| direction_b =
| direction_b =
| terminus_b = north-west of [[Aleppo]]
| terminus_b = North-West of [[Aleppo]]
| previous_type =
| previous_type =
| previous_route =
| previous_route =
Line 20: Line 21:
| next_route =
| next_route =
}}
}}
The '''M5 Motorway''' is the most important motorway in [[Syria]] due to its length and that it functions as the south-north backbone of the country network. It connects the border with [[Jordan]] in the south with [[Damascus]], the capital, and continues further north to [[Aleppo]], the country's second largest city, and on toward the border with [[Turkey]].<ref name=ap-20200214>{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/9f6d1f6ea8866e2d82e41b9bf08e67a5 |title=AP Explains: Why Syria's M5 is Assad's highway to victory |last=Karam |first=Zeina |publisher=Associated Press |date=14 February 2020 |access-date=6 March 2020}}</ref><ref name=jordantimes-20200226/>
The '''M5 Motorway''' is the most important motorway in [[Syria]] due to its length and function as the country network's south-north backbone. It is known as the "International Road."<ref name=ap-20200214>{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/9f6d1f6ea8866e2d82e41b9bf08e67a5 |title=AP Explains: Why Syria's M5 is Assad's highway to victory |last=Karam |first=Zeina |author-link=Zeina Karam |publisher=Associated Press |date=14 February 2020 |access-date=6 March 2020}}</ref> It connects the [[Jordan–Syria border|border with Jordan]] in the south with [[Damascus]], the country's political capital, and continues further north through [[Aleppo]], the country's economic capital and second largest city, to the [[Syria–Turkey border|border with Turkey]] in the north.<ref name=ap-20200214/><ref name=jordantimes-20200226/>


Other cities connected by this motorway are [[Daraa]], [[Al Nabk]], [[Homs]] and [[Hamah]]. Its length is {{convert|450|km}}.<ref name=ap-20200214/> It intersects with the [[M4 Motorway (Syria)|M4 Motorway]] near [[Saraqib]], which is the main highway from Aleppo to the port of [[Latakia]].<ref name=jordantimes-20200226/>
Other cities connected by this motorway are [[Daraa]], [[Al Nabk]], [[Homs]] and [[Hama]]. Its length is {{convert|450|km}}.<ref name=ap-20200214/> It intersects with the [[M4 Motorway (Syria)|M4 Motorway]] near [[Saraqib]], which is the main highway from Aleppo to the port of [[Latakia]] running parallel to the border with Turkey.<ref name=jordantimes-20200226/>


==Syrian Civil War==
==Syrian Civil War==
Parts of the M5 have been in the control of various rebel groups in the [[Syrian Civil War]] since 2012.<ref name=jordantimes-20200226>{{cite news |url=https://www.jordantimes.com/opinion/michael-jansen/capture-m5-one-most-celebrated-prizes-damascus-campaign-regain-territory |title=Capture of M5 one of the most celebrated prizes in Damascus' campaign to regain territory |last=Jansen |first=Michael |website=The Jordan Times |date=26 February 2020 |access-date=28 March 2020}}</ref><ref name=haaretz-20200222>{{cite news |url=https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/syria/highway-linking-largest-syrian-cities-reopens-after-eight-years-1.8564876 |title=Highway Linking Largest Syrian Cities Reopens After Eight Years |agency=Associated Press |publisher=Haaretz |date=22 February 2020 |access-date=13 March 2020}}</ref>
{{Update section|date=March 2020}}
Parts of the M5 were in the control of various rebel groups in the [[Syrian Civil War]] since 2012.<ref name=jordantimes-20200226>{{cite news |url=https://www.jordantimes.com/opinion/michael-jansen/capture-m5-one-most-celebrated-prizes-damascus-campaign-regain-territory |title=Capture of M5 one of the most celebrated prizes in Damascus' campaign to regain territory |last=Jansen |first=Michael |website=The Jordan Times |date=26 February 2020 |access-date=28 March 2020}}</ref><ref name=haaretz-20200222>{{cite news |url=https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/syria/highway-linking-largest-syrian-cities-reopens-after-eight-years-1.8564876 |title=Highway Linking Largest Syrian Cities Reopens After Eight Years |agency=Associated Press |publisher=Haaretz |date=22 February 2020 |access-date=13 March 2020}}</ref>


In October 2019, the north of the highway became a warzone, as [[Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army|Turkish-backed Syrian rebel forces]] advanced into the Kurdish-controlled region of [[Rojava]]. Civilians had been killed near the motorway.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/10/13/turkish-backed-rebels-accused-killing-unarmed-kurdish-civilians/|title=Turkish-backed rebels accused of killing unarmed Kurdish civilians|last=Sanchez|first=Raf|date=13 October 2019|work=The Telegraph|access-date=13 October 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/12/world/middleeast/turkey-invasion-syria-kurds.html Syrian Arab Fighters Backed by Turkey Kill Two Kurdish Prisoners] Oct 13, 2019 nytimes.com</ref> Turkish media also reported that it was the goal of Turkey's [[Operation Peace Spring]] to reach the [[M4 Motorway (Syria)|M4]] junction with the M5 in the [[Turkish occupation of northern Syria]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/opinion/bora-bayraktar/what-is-turkeys-plan-in-syria-140070|title=What is Turkey’s plan in Syria?|website=Hürriyet Daily News|language=en|access-date=13 October 2019}}</ref>
In October 2019, the north of the highway became a warzone, as [[Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army|Turkish-backed Syrian rebel forces]] advanced into the Kurdish-controlled region of [[Rojava]]. Civilians had been killed near the motorway.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/10/13/turkish-backed-rebels-accused-killing-unarmed-kurdish-civilians/|title=Turkish-backed rebels accused of killing unarmed Kurdish civilians|last=Sanchez|first=Raf|date=13 October 2019|work=The Telegraph|access-date=13 October 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/12/world/middleeast/turkey-invasion-syria-kurds.html Syrian Arab Fighters Backed by Turkey Kill Two Kurdish Prisoners] Oct 13, 2019 nytimes.com</ref> Turkish media also reported that it was the goal of Turkey's [[Operation Peace Spring]] to reach the [[M4 Motorway (Syria)|M4]] junction with the M5 in the [[Turkish occupation of northern Syria]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/opinion/bora-bayraktar/what-is-turkeys-plan-in-syria-140070|title=What is Turkey’s plan in Syria?|website=Hürriyet Daily News|language=en|access-date=13 October 2019}}</ref>


In mid February 2020 the Syrian Army regained control of the M5 Motorway before opposition factions with support from Turkish elements had recaptured [[Saraqib]] and cut the Damascus-Aleppo M5 highway once again on the dawn of 27 February.<ref name="al-Khateb">{{cite web | last=al-Khateb | first=Khaled | title=Turkish-backed Syrian opposition forces claim gains in Idlib | website=Al-Monitor | url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/02/syria-south-idlib-regime-advances-rebels-lose-russia-turkey.html | date=27 February 2020|access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Turkish forces and proxy factions capture Saraqeb city, cutting off Damascus-Aleppo international highway |url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155889 |website=SOHR |accessdate=1 March 2020}}</ref>.<ref name=ap-20200214/><ref name=jordantimes-20200226/><ref name=haaretz-20200222/>
On 14 February 2020, the Syrian Army recaptured the M5 Motorway fully for the first time since 2012 before opposition factions and Turkish forces recaptured [[Saraqib]] by 26 February and cut the highway once again on 27 February.<ref name="al-Khateb">{{cite web | last=al-Khateb | first=Khaled | title=Turkish-backed Syrian opposition forces claim gains in Idlib | website=Al-Monitor | url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/02/syria-south-idlib-regime-advances-rebels-lose-russia-turkey.html | date=27 February 2020|access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Turkish forces and proxy factions capture Saraqeb city, cutting off Damascus-Aleppo international highway |url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155889 |website=SOHR |accessdate=1 March 2020}}</ref><ref name=ap-20200214/><ref name=jordantimes-20200226/><ref name=haaretz-20200222/> On 1 March, Saraqib was back under Syrian Army control and also regained control of the entire motorway by 3 March.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/156171/|title=Backed by Russian airpower, regime forces recapture Saraqib city only four days after Turkish forces and proxy factions captured it|website=SOHR|date=2 March 2020}}</ref>


On 8 March 2020, the M5 highway was reopened for civilian use.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/156604/|title=The heavy price of capturing M5 Highway by Russian-led regime forces: 2.2 million displaced and 8,15 killed|website=SOHR|date=8 March 2020}}</ref>
== References ==
{{reflist}}


== See also ==
== See also ==
*[[Transport in Syria]]
*[[Transport in Syria]]
*[[Idlib demilitarization (2018–2019)]]
*[[Idlib demilitarization (2018–2019)]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}


[[Category:Roads in Syria]]
[[Category:Roads in Syria]]

Latest revision as of 23:24, 29 December 2023

M5 Motorway
Route information
Length450 km (280 mi)
Major junctions
FromBorder with Jordan (Highway 15)
ToNorth-West of Aleppo
Location
CountrySyria
Highway system

The M5 Motorway is the most important motorway in Syria due to its length and function as the country network's south-north backbone. It is known as the "International Road."[1] It connects the border with Jordan in the south with Damascus, the country's political capital, and continues further north through Aleppo, the country's economic capital and second largest city, to the border with Turkey in the north.[1][2]

Other cities connected by this motorway are Daraa, Al Nabk, Homs and Hama. Its length is 450 kilometres (280 mi).[1] It intersects with the M4 Motorway near Saraqib, which is the main highway from Aleppo to the port of Latakia running parallel to the border with Turkey.[2]

Syrian Civil War

[edit]

Parts of the M5 have been in the control of various rebel groups in the Syrian Civil War since 2012.[2][3]

In October 2019, the north of the highway became a warzone, as Turkish-backed Syrian rebel forces advanced into the Kurdish-controlled region of Rojava. Civilians had been killed near the motorway.[4][5] Turkish media also reported that it was the goal of Turkey's Operation Peace Spring to reach the M4 junction with the M5 in the Turkish occupation of northern Syria.[6]

On 14 February 2020, the Syrian Army recaptured the M5 Motorway fully for the first time since 2012 before opposition factions and Turkish forces recaptured Saraqib by 26 February and cut the highway once again on 27 February.[7][8][1][2][3] On 1 March, Saraqib was back under Syrian Army control and also regained control of the entire motorway by 3 March.[9]

On 8 March 2020, the M5 highway was reopened for civilian use.[10]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Karam, Zeina (14 February 2020). "AP Explains: Why Syria's M5 is Assad's highway to victory". Associated Press. Retrieved 6 March 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d Jansen, Michael (26 February 2020). "Capture of M5 one of the most celebrated prizes in Damascus' campaign to regain territory". The Jordan Times. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
  3. ^ a b "Highway Linking Largest Syrian Cities Reopens After Eight Years". Haaretz. Associated Press. 22 February 2020. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  4. ^ Sanchez, Raf (13 October 2019). "Turkish-backed rebels accused of killing unarmed Kurdish civilians". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 13 October 2019.
  5. ^ Syrian Arab Fighters Backed by Turkey Kill Two Kurdish Prisoners Oct 13, 2019 nytimes.com
  6. ^ "What is Turkey's plan in Syria?". Hürriyet Daily News. Retrieved 13 October 2019.
  7. ^ al-Khateb, Khaled (27 February 2020). "Turkish-backed Syrian opposition forces claim gains in Idlib". Al-Monitor. Retrieved 4 March 2020.
  8. ^ "Turkish forces and proxy factions capture Saraqeb city, cutting off Damascus-Aleppo international highway". SOHR. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  9. ^ "Backed by Russian airpower, regime forces recapture Saraqib city only four days after Turkish forces and proxy factions captured it". SOHR. 2 March 2020.
  10. ^ "The heavy price of capturing M5 Highway by Russian-led regime forces: 2.2 million displaced and 8,15 killed". SOHR. 8 March 2020.