Iraq and Syria open border crossing closed since 2012

The opening of the crossing linking the Iraqi town of Qaim and Syria’s Boukamal is expected to strengthen trade between the two Arab countries

But it also a boost to Iran’s influence in the region, allowing Iran-backed militias in Iraq easier access to eastern Syria

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Iraq and Syria border guards embrace each other during the opening ceremony of the crossing. Photo: AP

Published: 11:32pm, 30 Sep 2019Updated: 5:22am, 1 Oct 2019

Iraq and Syria on Monday opened a key border crossing between the two neighbouring countries, seven years after it was closed during Syria’s civil war and the battle against Islamic State.

The opening of the crossing linking the Iraqi town of Qaim and Syria’s Boukamal is expected to strengthen trade between the two Arab countries.

But it is also a boost to Iran’s influence in the region, allowing Iran-backed militias in Iraq easier access to eastern Syria at a time of soaring tensions in the region between Tehran and Washington following the collapse of Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers. The area has been a point of friction between US-backed Kurdish fighters, and Syrian government troops and their Iranian-backed allies.

In a symbolic gesture, Syrian Interior Minister Major General Mohammed Khaled Rahmoun, accompanied by Syrian troops, crossed onto the Iraqi side of the border, where troops from both countries hugged and took selfies. Scores of Iraqis and Syrians who live in the border towns also attended the ceremony.

Syrian Interior Minister Major General Mohammed Khaled Rahmoun speaks during the reopening of the border crossing. Photo: Reuters

“The opening of this border crossing is the result of victories achieved by our people in Syria and Iraq against terrorist organisations,” Rahmoun said.

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