The head of the Border Ports Authority, Maj. Gen. Omar al-Waili (10 November 2026), announced the reopening of the Al-Sheeb border crossing at 8 am on Tuesday 10 November, and the temporary closure of the Mandali crossing from 8 am on Friday 13 November for maintenance.
In a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), al-Waili said the reopening comes "after completing the technical requirements and the procedures needed to restart the crossing, and preparing suitable conditions to ensure the smooth movement of travellers and goods". According to the statement, this will help facilitate trade exchange through the crossing.
On the Mandali crossing, he explained that the closure is temporary "in order to complete the technical requirements and the necessary preparation and maintenance work, particularly as the rainy season approaches and the weather conditions that may come with it, which affect vehicle movement and the smooth flow of work inside the crossing".
He added that the measures are part of a plan to prepare the border ports and address technical and service requirements. The reopening date for Mandali will be announced as soon as the required work is complete.
As a result, the Al-Sheeb crossing resumes operation for travellers and goods on Tuesday morning. Parties moving goods through Mandali face a closure that begins three days after the announcement. The statement gives no duration and no announced date of return. Shipments scheduled after 13 November remain tied to a later announcement from the Authority.
Trade & Customs