Apart from its embargo on the Shehba Canton in northern Syria, the Damascus government is forcing the residents of the canton to pay taxes the checkpoints along the Shehba-Aleppo road in return for allowing the passage of basic needs.

There are 6 checkpoints along the Shehba-Aleppo road, including the 4th Brigade, State Security, Air Intelligence and Military Security (Police-Customs) affiliated with the Damascus government.

Citizens who are granted a certificate to pass through the checkpoints in Shehba go to Aleppo to meet their basic needs, reported the Hawar News Agency (ANHA).

According to the report, citizens are forced to pay taxes to go shopping. Even private bags are taxed and at least 20 Syrian liras are requested.

A citizen named M.H. who lives in the Shehba Canton said that he went to Aleppo to buy a battery for his car and paid 20 Syrian liras to the 4th Brigade to pass through the checkpoint.

Speaking to ANHA, M.H. said that the Damascus government imposed taxes on everything, including basic goods.

M.H. stated that officials at the checkpoint told him “Doesn't matter if you are Arab or Kurdish, if you don't give us money, take back the goods you have bought.”