Reopening of the al-Boukamal border post scheduled from June 14

BEIRUT — The Syrian General Authority for Land and Maritime Borders announced Thursday the reopening of the al-Boukamal border post starting Saturday, June 14.

Located at the border between Syria and Iraq, this crossing point will be open to travelers and freight trucks. The authority also called for compliance with instructions at the crossing point, "to ensure smooth travel and safety."

The Syrian-Iraqi border stretches over 600 km. The two countries are connected by three border posts, with al-Boukamal being the most notable. This crossing point is located between the Syrian city of al-Boukamal (Deir Ezzor province) and the Iraqi city of al-Qaim (Anbar province).

The announcement follows discussions in March between Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shibani and Iraqi Prime Minister Shia al-Sudani, during which Shibani called for the reopening of the border between the two countries, closed since the fall of the Assad regime. Shibani also hoped that this reopening could enhance trade between the two countries, promising to "strengthen cooperation" with Iraq to combat Daesh (which had conquered nearly a third of Iraqi territory between 2014 and 2017, Ed.).