Iraq’s closure of Iran crossing sparks protests
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Voanews
The closure of the al-Sheeb border crossing between Iraq and Iran has triggered protests in Maysan Province over fears about food prices and trade. Authorities cite technical and security reasons, while pro-Iranian factions denounce a decision dictated by Washington, reports VOA.
The closure of the al-Sheeb border crossing between Iraq and Iran triggered protests in Iraq’s Maysan Province, in the south of the country, reports Voice of America (VOA). Iraqi authorities closed the crossing on Wednesday 21 October for technical and security reasons.
On Sunday, dozens of protesters blocked a road leading to oil companies. They demanded that the crossing be reopened, amid concerns over rising food prices and disruptions to trade.
On Monday, an Iraqi court issued an arrest warrant for Mustafa Duair Abdulhassan, chairman of the Maysan Provincial Council, following a complaint by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidii’s office over his threats of civil disobedience. The head of government also ordered an investigation into his remarks. Abdulhassan had threatened on Sunday to cut the province off from the rest of Iraq if the crossing was not reopened.
Abdulhassan is affiliated with Sadiqoun, the political wing of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia, which is aligned with Iran and led by Qais al-Khazali. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of pro-Iranian armed factions, separately accused Baghdad of giving in to US pressure. Iranian state media said that Tehran had not been informed of the closure; Iran’s Interior Ministry spokesman, Ali Zeinivand, said the matter was under review.
The Prime Minister’s adviser, Abdul Amir Ta’iban, accused Iran of facilitating the smuggling of drugs and counterfeit currency. Iran’s embassy in Baghdad rejected the accusations as false, according to VOA.
