Syrians Struggle to Access Cash After Mysterious Week-Long Blockade

Restoration of ATM Services in Damascus

After a week-long suspension, ATMs in Damascus have resumed operation, allowing Syrians to withdraw cash. The Central Bank of Syria had halted ATM and electronic payment services to monitor and control cash liquidity in the market.

Long Lines and Fluctuating Exchange Rates

Despite the restoration of services, Syrians face long lines and fluctuating exchange rates. The local currency continues to lose value compared to foreign currencies. The Central Bank of Syria updated the exchange rate, placing it at 15,000 units to one dollar, a significant loss in value from the previous rate of 12,500 liras per dollar.

Citizens React to the Restoration of Services

Yaser Awad, a citizen waiting in line, expressed relief that the ATMs are working again. He had been waiting to collect his salary of 150,000 Syrian liras, equivalent to around $11. Awad was not worried about the suspension, citing previous experiences during the revolution.

Radwan, a young man waiting in line, was slightly impatient but acknowledged that the ATMs would eventually work again. He was there to collect his father’s salary, estimated to be around 200,000 Syrian lira or $15.

A university student, who preferred to remain anonymous, had been waiting for ten minutes to withdraw money. He had been surviving on his savings for a week and was relieved that the ATMs were operational again. He was there to collect his father’s salary, which was the maximum amount that could be withdrawn, 500,000 pounds or around $38.

Challenges Ahead

While the restoration of ATM services is a welcome relief, Syrians continue to face challenges due to the fluctuating exchange rates and cash shortages. The Central Bank of Syria’s efforts to monitor and control cash liquidity in the market aim to stabilize the economy, but the situation remains uncertain.

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