Iraq closes several border crossings for security probe after drone attacks against Saudi Arabia

BAGHDAD, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi security authorities said Saturday that they have initiated administrative and security reorganization operations at several border crossings, which necessitate their closure, to investigate security breaches.

This photo taken on Aug. 28, 2024 shows the night view of Baghdad, capital of Iraq. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

Necessary legal measures have been taken, and intelligence, investigative and audit efforts have been intensified to determine the circumstances surrounding the breaches and violations that occurred at these crossings and to devise appropriate solutions and remedies, the Security Media Cell, affiliated with the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, said in a statement.

It added that the Zurbatiyah and al-Munthiriya border crossings with Iran, located in Iraq's Wasit and Diyala provinces respectively, remain open to passenger traffic.

An Iraqi security source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity that security authorities have begun inspection and screening procedures, tightened security measures to prevent violations at the closed border crossings, and expect the measures to conclude quickly.

The closures came after Ali al-Zaidi, Iraq's prime minister and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, dismissed the Maysan Operations Commander on Saturday after authorities confirmed attacks targeting Saudi Arabia had been launched from a site in Maysan province in southern Iraq.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry said Friday that its East-West Pipeline was attacked by several drones launched from Iraq, causing injuries and damage.

The ministry noted that at the request of the Iraqi prime minister, the kingdom had refrained from responding at this stage.

Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in the East-West Pipeline, which carries crude oil from its eastern fields to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.