Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Syria, Iraq Officially Reopen Albukamel Border Crossing Closed Since 2014

Edward Yeranian

   CAIRO - Syrian and Iraqi officials gathered Monday along the northern
   Albukamel border crossing to officially reopen it to traffic after
   being closed since 2014. Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mehdi agreed
   to reopen the Iraqi side of the once-Islamic State-controlled border
   crossing last week.

   Syrian government TV showed military commanders from both the Syrian
   and Iraqi armies cutting a rope and shaking hands, smiling broadly as
   the border crossing at Albukamel was officially reopened to traffic
   Monday.

   The crossing between Albukamel and Al-Qaim, on the Iraqi side of the
   border, is one of three linking the two countries. U.S.-backed Kurdish
   forces control the northernmost crossing at al-Yaroubia, and other
   U.S.-backed Syrian forces control the southernmost crossing at Al-Tanf.

   Syrian Interior Minister Gen. Mohammed Khaled al-Rahmoun sounded
   enthusiastic and upbeat as he presided over the reopening ceremony
   alongside the Iraqi director of border crossings, Dr. Kazem al-Aqaby.

.