Iraq to reopen Iran crossings after drone attack
BAGHDAD: Iraqi authorities announced on Sunday a timeline to reopen three crossings with Iran, a day after closing them following a drone attack originating from their shared border on a Saudi pipeline.
Baghdad, Iraq announced on Sunday a plan to reopen three border crossings with Iran, following a drone attack on a Saudi pipeline. The closures came the previous day, after authorities determined the drones had been launched from their shared border region near Missan province. The government sacked the military commander in Missan after the attack and cited the need to reorganize operations and enhance intelligence efforts.
Two security sources confirmed finding drone launchers near the al-Shib border crossing in Missan. The government media cell stated on Sunday that the crossings would gradually reopen for passengers and trade between Sunday and Thursday. Currently, Shalamsheh in Basra and al-Shib in Missan have reopened for passengers, but not for trade.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, though an alliance of Iran-backed Iraqi armed factions denied involvement. In July, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia had targeted Iran-backed fighters in Iraq in response to attacks on U.S. forces and Saudi oil facilities. Pro-Iran armed groups have supported Iran during the Middle East conflict, claiming hundreds of attacks on U.S. bases across the region.
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