AMMAN — President of the Association of Owners of Clearance and Transport Companies Dhaifallah Abu Aqoula said that attacks on several Jordanian trucks near the Nassib border crossing were triggered by a recent decision allowing Jordanian trucks to enter Syrian territory directly.

 

In remarks to Al Mamlaka TV on Friday, Abu Aqoula that Syrian truck owners were previously benefiting from the “back-to-back” cargo transfer system at the border, under which goods were transferred between Syrian and Jordanian trucks without crossing into each other’s territory.

 

He said that Jordan and Syria agreed to allow Jordanian trucks carrying goods of Jordanian origin to enter Syrian territory, while Syrian trucks transporting Syrian-origin goods can enter Jordan, eliminating the need for cargo transfers at the border.

 

According to Abu Aqoula, the move, “aimed at facilitating access for Jordanian trucks to Syrian ports for loading and unloading operations, as well as enabling Syrian trucks to reach Aqaba port, has angered some Syrian truck operators.”

 

He said several Jordanian trucks that crossed the Nassib border on Friday were attacked by Syrian truck owners, sustaining limited damage before Syrian security forces intervened.

 

Abu Aqoula called for the implementation of the agreement with security escorts for cargo convoys to ensure safe passage.

 

He also noted that the trucking sector has been significantly affected by the ongoing Iran-related conflict, with shipping costs rising fourfold as international shipping companies sharply increased freight rates amid the crisis.