Turkey builds new wall at Syria border

World Today

Incidents of illegal trafficking and smuggling have prompted the Turkish government to build a new border wall with Syria. CCTV’s Michal Bardavid reports from Hatay, Turkey.

The open door policy of the Turkish government has welcomed those escaping from the crisis in Syria since the conflict began in 2011, but Turkey has begun to experience some negative impacts as a result. The insecurity brought on by the policy has taken the form of rebel fighters wandering the streets and the illegal smuggling of goods.

Turkey’s government built a tall concrete wall in some areas of the 900 kilometer-long border to increase security and prevent illegal trade. The walls are flanked by military personnel, and the areas are marked as military territory.

Most Turkish citizens support the building of the wall, but also agree that it might not be enough to ensure security from the impacts of the open door policy with Syria as the crisis there continues.

Turkey builds new wall at Syria border

Incidents of illegal trafficking and smuggling have prompted the Turkish government to build a new border wall with Syria. CCTV's Michal Bardavid reports from Hatay, Turkey.