M4 Motorway (Syria)

For other uses, see M4 motorway (disambiguation).

M4 Motorway
Route information
Length120 km (75 mi)
Location
CountrySyria
Highway system

The M4 Motorway is a highway in north-west Syria, which runs parallel with its northern border with Turkey.

The M4 runs from Latakia to Saraqib, where it intersects with the "International Road" M5.[1][2] It also connects Arihah and Jisr al-Shughur. Its length is 120 kilometres (75 mi). Assuming that it shares 60 km with the M5, it arrives until Aleppo, and from there, it has been expanded as a two-lane expressway that continues further east into the Iraqi border, ultimately reaching its destination at Mosul.

In October 2019, the highway became a warzone, as Turkish-backed Syrian rebel forces advanced into the Kurdish-controlled region of Rojava. Civilians have been killed near the motorway.[3][4] Turkish media also reported that it was the goal of the 2019 Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria to reach the M4 highway in the Turkish occupation of northern Syria.[5]

On 25 May 2020, the highway was reopened for the first time in seven months since October 2019 in northeastern Syria, after Russian mediation to reopen parts of the road captured last year by Turkish-backed opposition fighters.[6]

  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ Karam, Zeina (14 February 2020). "AP Explains: Why Syria's M5 is Assad's highway to victory". Associated Press News. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
  3. ^ Sanchez, Raf (13 October 2019). "Turkish-backed rebels accused of killing unarmed Kurdish civilians". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 13 October 2019.
  4. ^ Syrian Arab Fighters Backed by Turkey Kill Two Kurdish Prisoners Oct 13, 2019 nytimes.com
  5. ^ "What is Turkey's plan in Syria?". Hürriyet Daily News. 28 December 2018. Retrieved 13 October 2019.
  6. ^ "Reports: Russian mediation reopens major highway in NE Syria". The Wilton Bulletin. 25 May 2020.