Syrian, Iraqi commanders meet at border as key crossing prepares to reopen

Commanders from the Syrian and Iraqi armies conducted a joint reconnaissance tour of the border region as they prepare to reopen the key crossing between the cities of Albukamal and Al-Qa’im.

During a tour of the crossing, the officers from the Syrian and Iraqi armies were briefed on the situation along the border, including the previous operations against the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL/IS/Daesh).

Major General Shawqi Yousef, head of the security and military committee in the eastern region, and Major General Akram Hawijah, head of the security and military committee in Albukamal, were present during this meeting.

The crossing between Albukamal and Al-Qa’im is expected to be reopened in the next two months, per an Iraqi official that spoke to the Sputnik News Agency last month.

The reopening of this crossing will also pave the way for Iran, Syria, and Iraq to use the international highway that links Tehran, Baghdad, and Damascus.

This is perhaps most crucial for Syria and Iran, as they are both under heavy sanctions from the United States and European Union.

Iran has repeatedly expressed their desire to open a railway from Tehran to Damascus, which will also help Syria with its ongoing oil crisis.