Sudden Closure of Raqqa–Atheria Road for Unknown Reasons

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported a temporary closure of the road linking Atheria in eastern Hama countryside to areas under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in rural Raqqa over the past few hours.

According to sources, the closure occurred at the crossing point separating the two sides, where the passage of cars and trucks was halted in both directions. Vehicles were forced to return to their points of origin this morning, with no access allowed toward areas administered by the Autonomous Administration.

The official reasons for the closure remain unclear, amid local speculation suggesting it may be linked to security tensions or disputes between checkpoints positioned along the route.

On September 28, the area witnessed financial measures imposed on vehicles passing through checkpoints controlled by the “Hamzat” and “Amshat” factions, where drivers were reportedly forced to pay up to $100 per vehicle for passage. This led to a partial halt in traffic, delays in truck and vehicle movement, and increased concerns over rising tensions between local factions.