Iraq-Iran borders swamped as citizens flee escalating conflict
Shafaq News/ On Friday, Iraqi border crossings with Iran experienced a sharp rise in returning citizens amid escalating security tensions and ongoing Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian cities and facilities since early morning.
Eyewitnesses and travelers arriving from Iran reported heavy crowds at crossings, including Al-Munthiriya in Diyala Province and Bashmakh in al-Sulaymaniyah Province, where thousands streamed into Iraq.
Most arrivals were students enrolled at Iranian universities, alongside patients and tourists. The overwhelming numbers caused long waits at the crossings, with many still awaiting permission to enter Iraqi territory.
Among those returning, concerns grew that crossings could close or face new restrictions if hostilities intensify, leading to calls for Iraqi authorities to accelerate entry procedures.
This surge followed unprecedented Israeli airstrikes targeting key sites in Tehran and other Iranian cities, which triggered a significant Iranian missile response on Tel Aviv.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
3 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Operation Rising Lion: Pakistan vows solidarity with Iran
Shafaq News/ Pakistan condemned Israel's airstrikes on Iran, pledging support for Tehran at international platforms, including the United Nations. During a National Assembly session chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif reaffirmed Pakistan's solidarity with Iran, calling it both a neighbor and a 'brotherly nation.' Asif urged an emergency summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), for a unified stance among Muslim countries. He also reiterated that Pakistan has never recognized Israel or maintained diplomatic ties, underscoring the country's consistent position.
Shafaq News
3 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Iran retaliation feared: US reinforces Syria bases
Shafaq News/ The US military has raised alert levels at several bases in Syria amid escalating fears of Iranian escalation following Israel's Operation Rising Lion, which targeted Iranian nuclear and military facilities, a Syrian source told Shafaq News on Saturday. US forces recently moved advanced radar and air defense systems from Iraq into northeastern Syria. The two-week operation involved over 100 trucks crossing the al-Waleed border into Hasakah province. Late Friday, flares illuminated the sky above the Khrab al-Jeer base near Rmelan—previously hit by rocket and drone attacks allegedly launched from Iraqi territory—as US defenses reportedly intercepted an Iranian drone targeting the site. Security concerns are intensifying as regional actors fear Iran-aligned groups, particularly factions within the Axis of Resistance, may once again launch attacks from Iraqi territory targeting US positions inside Syria. US troops at key locations—including al-Shaddadi, Deir ez-Zor, and al-Tanf in southeastern Homs—have been placed on high alert, with heightened security measures in place across all installations. While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Israel acted independently, he noted Washington was informed in advance and warned Tehran against striking US personnel or assets in response. Meanwhile, an Iraqi security official told Shafaq News that over 700 US nationals—mostly embassy staff and contractors—have been evacuated from the US Embassy in Baghdad over the past 48 hours as a precaution.
Shafaq News
3 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Iran arrests 19 over alleged links to Israel
Shafaq News/ On Saturday, Iran's security authorities arrested 19 individuals allegedly tied to Israel, amid continued military escalation between the two countries. According to a brief statement carried by state media, 14 suspects were apprehended in Hormozgan, southeastern Iran. Officials claimed the group had links to Tel Aviv and was involved in Israeli 'terrorist attacks' in the province. No further details were provided about the nature of the operations or the suspects' roles. Separately, the Prosecutor's Office in Yazd Province reported the arrest of five others accused of filming 'sensitive sites' and coordinating with Israeli entities. It confirmed that the group also contributed to public unrest through social media activity. Additional security operations were reportedly carried out in Zanjan and Kermanshah, where authorities intercepted two vehicles carrying drones. Three more individuals were detained on suspicion of infiltration and conducting 'suspicious movements' inside Iranian territory. Iran's intelligence services issued public alerts, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report unidentified vehicles. The Ministry of Intelligence called for immediate notification of any suspicious activity that could endanger public order. The wave of arrests coincides with an intensifying confrontation between Iran and Israel. On Friday, Israel launched what it described as its largest aerial assault on Iranian territory, targeting nuclear infrastructure and military positions. The attack prompted Iran to retaliate with hundreds of missiles toward Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv.
