- The closure will remain in effect until further notice to reassess security arrangements at the crossing
- The Sheeb crossing is a major entry point for goods and travelers between Iraq and Iran
BASRA: Iraq has closed the busy Sheeb border crossing with Iran to review security and install detection equipment to stop the smuggling of prohibited materials, an Iraqi border official said on Wednesday.
Sheeb would be closed to passengers, vehicles and commercial trucks until further notice, two other sources at the crossing said.
Iraq ordered the closure of another crossing with Iran, Shalamcheh, in September as a precaution after drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, two security sources said at the time. Riyadh said the drones had been launched from Iraq.
The current security measures at Sheeb are weak and inadequate, the Iraqi border crossings official told Reuters.
