Iraq closes Al-Qaim border crossing after Assad regime falls

Iraq has fully closed the Al-Qaim border crossing with Syria, following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Iraqi media reported on Sunday.

The Al-Qaim crossing, located in Iraq’s Anbar province and connecting the two countries, serves as a crucial route for travelers and goods.

However, in a statement published by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), authorities confirmed the closure, stating, “The Al-Qaim border crossing is completely closed, and the Iraqi border is secured. There is no movement in or out of this crossing.”

The statement added that there were no armed opposition forces or remnants of Assad’s forces remaining on the Syrian side of the border.

Major General Yahya Rasul, Iraq’s military spokesman, assured that Iraqi forces had full control of the border. “The border is heavily fortified, and with the presence of Iraqi border guards, the army, and Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), complete security is ensured,” Rasul said.

Additionally, Major General Khairallah Issa, commander of the Second Border Division, noted that Iraqi forces were prepared for any developments. He emphasized that over 105 cameras are monitoring the border areas, and no further reinforcements were necessary at this time.

The closure comes after anti-regime forces in Syria captured Damascus, leading to Assad’s departure from the country and signaling the end of his regime, which had held power since 1963. The fall of the capital followed the opposition’s seizure of Aleppo, Syria’s northern stronghold, over a week ago.