Dust storm hits western Anbar, placing haze over region

ANBAR — A massive dust storm that recently affected Haditha has now reached Al-Qaim, a border city in northwest Anbar governorate, as of Monday. The storm caused a near-total loss of visibility and shrouded the city in a red haze.

The town of Haditha experienced a similarly severe dust storm on April 14, which originated from the outskirts of the Anbar desert. This storm forced residents off the streets and into their homes, dramatically reducing visibility and leading to the closure of many local businesses. Traffic was also significantly impeded as the storm intensified.

In response to hazardous road conditions, traffic police advise drivers in areas experiencing dust storms to keep windows closed, ensure headlights and air conditioning are on, and to reduce speed to avoid the risk of accidents.