ERBIL () - Iraq temporarily closed the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran on Saturday as security authorities began administrative and security reorganization at several border points and intensified investigations into reported violations.
A security source told on Sept. 12 that directives had been issued by the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces to close the crossing and evacuate officials and workers stationed there.
"Directives were issued by the commander-in-chief of the armed forces to close the crossing and evacuate its officials and workers,"the source said.
No detailed official explanation was initially provided for the Shalamcheh closure.
The Iraqi Security Media Cell later said relevant authorities had begun administrative and security reorganization at several border crossings, requiring their temporary closure.
According to the cell, a series of legal measures had also been taken, while intelligence operations, investigations and inspections were being intensified to determine the circumstances surrounding breaches and violations at the affected crossings and to develop appropriate responses.
The Security Media Cell said the Zurbatiyah and al-Mundhariyah border crossings remain open to travelers.
Shalamcheh, located east of Basra province, is one of the principal land crossings between Iraq and Iran.
Local sources said the decision to close it may have been precautionary amid security concerns in the area, though no official authority had confirmed that explanation.
The move came hours after Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Faleh al-Zaidi ordered the dismissal of the Maysan Operations Commander and the creation of an investigative committee after authorities confirmed that attacks on Saudi Arabia had originated from a location inside Maysan province.
Read More: Saudi Arabia Condemns Iraq-Launched Drone Strikes on Its Oil Pipeline
Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for the commander-in-chief, said Saturday that the prime minister had ordered an investigation into the Maysan Operations Command and removed its commander following that finding.
Zaidi also said on his official Facebook page that the investigation would examine the command after it was established that the attack on Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline had been launched from within Maysan.
The Iraqi government has repeatedly stressed that Iraqi territory must not be used as a launch point for attacks on neighboring countries.
On Friday, Baghdad condemned the drone strikes against Saudi Arabia and ordered an urgent investigation to identify those responsible.
Numan said the Iraqi government rejected any action threatening Saudi security and emphasized that Iraqi soil and airspace must not be used to attack other states.
Read More: Iraq Condemns Drone Attacks on Saudi Arabia and Orders Urgent Investigation to Identify Perpetrators
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry said Friday that drones launched from Iraqi territory had targeted sections of the East-West oil pipeline in the Riyadh and Medina regions.
The attacks caused injuries and material damage, according to Riyadh.
Saudi authorities said they had decided, at the request of the Iraqi prime minister, not to launch an immediate military response, giving Baghdad time to investigate and take measures aimed at preventing further attacks.
Saudi Arabia nevertheless said it retained the right to defend its territory, infrastructure and population.
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud also spoke by telephone Friday evening.
According to Iraq's Foreign Ministry, the two discussed regional developments and emphasized continued coordination between Baghdad and Riyadh to preserve security and stability.
The closure of Shalamcheh and the broader reorganization announced by the Security Media Cell therefore come amid heightened efforts by Baghdad to tighten control over sensitive border and security areas.
Authorities have not yet announced how long the Shalamcheh crossing will remain closed or which other crossings are affected by the temporary measures.
For now, the government says investigations, inspections and intelligence operations are continuing as officials seek to determine the causes of security breaches and impose tighter control over border activity.
