Iraq resumed passenger and goods movement at the Shib crossing with Iran on Nov. 10, ending a nearly three-week suspension as operations at Mandali are scheduled to pause later this week.
Iraq's Border Ports Authority (BPA) said technical preparations at Shib were complete to support passenger and goods movement. BPA chief Maj. Gen. Omar al-Waeli said Mandali will close Nov. 13 for technical work and maintenance ahead of the rainy season. Officials will announce Mandali's reopening date after the work is complete.
The Shib shutdown began Oct. 21 during a security review that included plans to install detection equipment, Reuters reported, citing an Iraqi border official. Reuters also cited two sources at the crossing who said the closure stopped passenger travel, vehicle entry and commercial trucking and was expected to last until further notice. The Iraqi official described existing security measures as inadequate and said the planned equipment was intended to help detect prohibited materials, Reuters reported. EconoTimes previously covered the Oct. 21 closure.
