Jordan shuts Syria border crossing, UN pulls staff

Main border crossing with Syria closed for the first time since revolt as UN removes some staff after shell lands near hotel.

By REUTERS
Jordan border crossing Syria 370 (photo credit: REUTERS/Majed Jaber )
Jordan border crossing Syria 370
(photo credit: REUTERS/Majed Jaber )
AMMAN - Jordan closed its main border crossing with Syria on Monday after two days of fighting there between Syrian troops and rebel fighters, Jordan's information minister said.
Border traders said passengers were turned back at the Jordanian border crossing of Jaber and prevented from entering in the first such closure of the crossing since the revolt against President Bashar Assad's rule started two years ago.
"The border post is effectively closed because there have been clashes since yesterday and they are continuing," minister Samih Maaytah told Reuters.
The crossing is a thoroughfare for passengers and was transit route before the Syria conflict for hundreds of trucks daily carrying goods to Turkey from the Gulf and vice versa.
Situated near the Jordanian border, Syria's southern Deraa province is a vital battleground. Rebels in the last month have stepped up fighting for control of the border area and Deraa town after gaining territory in the countryside and capturing several army bases.
They have also over-run several towns near the Golan Heights, fueling tensions in the sensitive military zone.
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Meanwhile, the United Nations will move about half of 100 foreign staff members out of Syria after a number of mortar shells fell near their hotel in Damascus, damaging the building and a UN vehicle, the United Nations said on Monday.
"The United Nations Security Management Team has assessed the situation and decided to temporarily reduce the presence of international staff in Damascus due to security conditions," UN spokesman Martin Nesirky said.
"The United Nations remains active and committed to helping the Syrian sides in their search for a political solution," he said. "UN agencies and their partners also remain committed to providing assistance to millions of people in need in Syria."