Iraqi Drivers Protest Border Crossing Closure with Iran

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, truck drivers, taxi operators, and staff of the Al-Shayb border crossing in Maysan province, Iraq, have staged a protest on the road leading to the crossing. The demonstration aimed to convey their demand for the reopening of the crossing and present their grievances to the Iraqi government.

Given that a significant portion of the population in Maysan province relies on the movement of passengers, trade, and transportation through this border crossing, the protestors held signs calling for the resumption of the crossing’s activities. They emphasized that its continued closure is detrimental to their interests and livelihoods.

Earlier on October 20, the Iraqi government ordered the closure of the Al-Shayb border crossing, located in the east of Maysan province. The Baghdad government has not provided any explanation for the closure or a potential timeline for its reopening.

In this regard, Haider Al-Aboudi, a spokesperson for the Iraqi government, stated that the crossing’s activities were halted due to a lack of technical readiness, but commercial exchanges with Iran continue through other crossings. The Al-Shayb crossing is considered one of the important routes between Iraq and Iran, playing a significant role in the movement of passengers and goods.