📰 Destroyed al-Asharah bridge deepens isolation, hardship in Deir ez-Zor

DEIR EZ-zor, syria/" class="auto-internal-link">syria (North Press) – Voices of distress are rising in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria, particularly in the towns of al-Asharah, Daranj, and nearby villages, as severe damage to the vital al-Asharah Bridge has paralyzed daily life and caused a significant transportation crisis in the area. The al-Asharah Bridge, once a main lifeline connecting the two banks of the Euphrates River, was the only route linking al-Asharah with northeastern Syria. It served as a key passage for residents of one of Deir ez-Zor’s oldest and most active towns. Moreover, today, the destroyed bridge stands as a stark reminder of the suffering endured by locals, who must now travel tens of kilometers to reach the opposite bank.

Grueling journey A trip that once took only minutes has turned into hours of hardship. During the years of crisis, the area around the bridge witnessed heavy fighting. An airstrike by the U. S. -led Global Coalition in 2016, during the campaign against the Islamic State (isis), destroyed the bridge’s midsection, cutting all traffic.

Reports also suggest that Russian airstrikes had previously damaged the structure.   Abdul Majid al-Khalaf, a resident of al-Asharah, informed North Press that anyone wishing to cross to the other bank must now travel about 60 kilometers by car, and up to 70 kilometers when heading toward Abu Kamal, due to the bridge’s destruction and the suspension of ferry service. Al-Khalaf stated that the long distances waste time and fuel and weigh heavily on the area’s economy and public services, noting that residents live in near-total isolation between the two sides of the river. He appealed to the relevant authorities and the syrian/" class="auto-internal-link">syrian transitional administration to rehabilitate the al-Asharah Bridge, which connects both banks of the river, including the cities of al-Asharah and Daranj and their surrounding villages. Notably, “The bridge has sustained extensive damage and is now completely out of service,” he added.

Danger for patients and students The most severe danger lies in the relief and medical aspects, as residents are forced to transport patients across the river using unsafe boats and makeshift ferries.   Al-Khalaf warned that transferring patients in unsafe boats has led to tragic deaths. “Transporting emergency cases without proper crossings could have catastrophic outcomes,” he stated. Mohammed al-Ta’ma, a resident of al-Mayadin, said the suffering is immense. “numerous accidents have occurred near the bridge,” he said, explaining that residents are forced to drive long detours…