In Syria, the authorities began repairing the M5 Damascus-Aleppo highway on the liberated section of Aleppo-Saraqib.
Highway M5 connects the country’s capital with one of the largest cities – Aleppo. Until recently, the northern section of the highway was controlled by militants based in the province of Idlib.
Road workers are currently repairing the 50km section between Aleppo and Saraqib to repair the roadway and the separation fence. This is the first time in years that green areas along the highway are being repaired.
Saraqib was released by Government forces on 5 February, but Syrian forces were forced to retreat at the end of February because of continuous attacks by armed groups. In early March, Syrian army units returned Saraqib. Russian military police were introduced to the city to ensure the safety and unhindered movement of vehicles and civilians along the highways.