Iraq: Updates on Border Crossings
Baghdad, Iraq – The Security Media Cell in Iraq announced on Sunday the gradual reopening of border crossings with Iran, following an administrative and security review aimed at detecting violations and strengthening oversight measures. It emphasized that the reopening is intended to maintain the flow of trade and the movement of citizens. In a statement, the Cell noted that the decision followed an assessment of operations at the crossings and an identification of their organizational and technical needs, a process carried out in coordination with the various departments and agencies operating there.
It stated that the entry of travelers through the Al-Shib and Shalamcheh border crossings resumed at 6:00 a.m. today (local time), while commercial traffic through the Shalamcheh crossing is set to begin at the same time tomorrow, Monday. It added that trade would resume via the Mandali and Al-Shib crossings on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively. Meanwhile, traffic continues around the clock without interruption at the Zurbatiyah and Al-Munthiriya crossings.
Security measures following attacks in Saudi Arabia
Iraqi authorities decided yesterday, Saturday, to temporarily close several border crossings with Iran to carry out administrative and security arrangements, aiming to investigate potential violations occurring there. These measures followed an announcement by Iraqi authorities that the attacks targeting Saudi Arabia had originated from Maysan Governorate in southern Iraq—coinciding with Riyadh’s announcement that its East-West pipeline had been struck by drone attacks it claimed originated from Iraq.
Baghdad tightens controls at border crossings.
The Security Media Cell confirmed that the reopening of border crossings aims to strike a balance between tightening security measures and ensuring the smooth flow of commercial traffic and citizen movement. Iraq has nine land crossings with Iran, including Shalamcheh in Basra, Al-Shib in Maysan, Zurbatiyah in Wasit, and Al-Munthiriya and Mandali in Diyala; there are also four crossings in the Kurdistan Region. These measures come amidst heightened Iraqi scrutiny regarding the trajectories of attacks targeting neighboring countries. At the same time, Baghdad is seeking to strengthen security control over border crossings and prevent their use for activities that could threaten the security of Iraq or countries in the region.