Iraq to Reopen Al-Qaim Border Crossing with Syria After Arab Summit

Watan-According to Iraqi government and security sources, Iraq is preparing to reopen the Al-Qaim border crossing with Syria in the coming weeks, likely after the Arab League Summit scheduled in Baghdad on May 17. This decision comes following security agreements made during two visits by Iraqi intelligence chief Hamid Al-Shatri to Damascus, where he met with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa.

Al-Shatri, accompanied by border guards and officials from the Ministry of Trade, discussed border security, anti-terrorism cooperation, economic revival, and possibly reviving the oil pipeline that once ran from Iraq to Mediterranean ports via Syria.

 Border Closure & Planned Reopening

Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December, Iraq has ramped up security at the Syrian border, deploying large military units and shutting down the Al-Qaim crossing, which had served as a key point for trade and civilian travel. Exceptions were made for limited movement of people and goods, especially for stranded Iraqi citizens.

Now, Iraq intends to reopen the crossing in two phases:

1. Phase 1: Entry and exit for civilians — prioritizing Syrian nationals in Iraq, and mixed-nationality families.

2. Phase 2: Commercial trade — focusing on essential goods and restoring lost supply chains, especially in agriculture and textiles.

Iraqi and Syrian officials believe security conditions are now favorable, and the reopening could help revive local economies, particularly in Iraq’s border town of Al-Qaim.

 Border Security & Smuggling Tunnels

An Iraqi border guard officer revealed challenges faced in recent months, including militant control of difficult terrain and discovery of tunnels used by Assad’s former regime to smuggle narcotics into Iraq. Many of these drug tunnels have now been sealed, in coordination with Syrian authorities.

Syrian Public Security also confirmed the discovery of a 500-meter tunnel in the Al-Bukamal region connecting a former Iran-backed militant base to Al-Hari, used for trafficking drugs and vehicles.

 Trade Impact and Future Prospects

The closure of Al-Qaim disrupted Iraq’s access to key Syrian imports such as agricultural goods, processed foods, clothing, and detergents — products vital to Iraq’s consumer market. The reopening is expected to ease shortages and stabilize prices.

Iraqi economists estimate trade volume between the two countries remains modest:

• Syria to Iraq: $58 million in 2023

• Iraq to Syria: $27 million

However, with Iranian oil exports to Syria in decline, Iraq is poised to become a primary supplier of fuel and electricity-generating oil, strengthening its regional economic influence.

Expert Insight: According to economist Nabil Al-Marsoumi, trade with Syria may rise significantly in the coming period. The reopened crossing will restore economic lifelines and potentially enable Iraq to replace Iran as Syria’s key oil supplier.