BASRA, Iraq April 4 (Reuters) - Iraq closed the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran after airstrikes on the Iranian side killed an Iraqi citizen, security sources said on Saturday, shutting off a
Iraq-Iran border crossing at Shalamcheh returns to normal after closure due to air strikes
Border Closure and Reopening Details
Impact of Air Strikes on Shalamcheh Crossing
BASRA, Iraq, April 4 (Reuters) - Passenger movement has returned to normal at the Shalamcheh border crossing between Iraq and Iran after it was closed following air strikes on the Iranian side that killed an Iraqi citizen, security sources and state news agency said on Saturday.
Importance of Shalamcheh Crossing for Trade
The crossing serves as one of the main routes for imports to Iraq of vegetables and other food supplies from Iran, traders and border officials say. Any prolonged disruption can quickly affect supplies to local markets.
Casualties and Immediate Aftermath
The sources said at least five Iraqis were seriously wounded in the strikes, which hit a passenger reception area on the Iranian side.
Iraqi police recovered the body of a man, while the wounded were taken to hospital, most in critical condition.
Related Incidents at Other Border Crossings
Temporary Closure of Safwan Crossing with Kuwait
A few hours after the strikes near Shalamcheh, Iraqi border authorities also briefly halted movement at the Safwan crossing with Kuwait after reporting explosions on the Kuwaiti side, Iraqi security and border officials said.
Reports of Drones Prior to Explosions
The officials added they saw drones hovering overhead moments before the blasts.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Aref Mohammed in Basra; Additional reporting by Ahmed Rasheed; Editing by Alison Williams, Toby Chopra and Susan Fenton)
