Al-Fatha bridge connecting Salah al-Din and Kirkuk out of service

AL-FATHA –  Just six hours after its reopening, the crucial Al-Fatha bridge linking Salah al-Din and Kirkuk provinces experienced a sudden shutdown, causing inconvenience to residents.

Suspicions of deliberate sabotage arose among locals, who pointed fingers at those previously profiting from unofficial toll fees, now abolished by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s directive.

Aziz Al-Maamari, a prominent activist from Baiji, expressed concerns over the detrimental impact of the bridge’s closure on the local community.

“Malicious actors are to blame for disrupting essential services, negatively affecting the residents of the province and Baiji area in particular,” he told 964media. The closure forces Baiji residents to seek alternative routes for cross-provincial travel, he said.

The Al-Fatha bridge plays a pivotal role in connecting various areas within Salah al-Din, notably Baiji and Al-Alam, to Kirkuk province. It also serves as a important artery for the operations of the North Refineries Company.

Reacting promptly, the Company pledged collaboration with governmental entities to expedite repairs. It underscored the bridge’s importance in facilitating commuting for both its employees and the general public.

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