BAGHDAD, Iraq: Iraq-Iran border crossings began reopening Sunday after authorities temporarily closed three points following a drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline.
The Iraqi government said it would reopen the crossings in stages for passengers and trade through Thursday. The affected points are Shalamsheh in Basra, al-Shib in Missan and al-Mandali in Diyala.
Shalamsheh and al-Shib reopened to passenger traffic on Sunday. Commercial traffic had not resumed at those two crossings when the government announced it.
Baghdad closed the crossings after authorities said attackers had launched drones from Missan province, near the Iranian border, in Friday night’s pipeline attack.
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The government also dismissed the military commander in Missan after reviewing the security breach. Two Iraqi security sources told AFP that authorities found drone launchers near the al-Shib crossing.
Officials said the temporary closures allowed security forces to reorganise border operations and strengthen intelligence work to prevent further violations.
No group has claimed responsibility for the Saudi pipeline attack. An alliance of Iran-backed Iraqi armed factions denied carrying out the strike.
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Iraqi authorities will continue the phased reopening through Thursday as they restore passenger and trade movements at the three border points.
