An Iraqi border forces patrol boat conducts security operations in the waters between the Arabian Gulf and Shatt al-Arab as part of efforts to monitor vessels and prevent smuggling.
Iraq opens new maritime control facility on Shatt al-Arab
BASRA — Iraq’s border forces commander inaugurated a new maritime control facility on Thursday tasked with inspecting boats and vessels in the strategic area connecting the Arabian Gulf and the Shatt al-Arab waterway.
Lt. Gen. Mohammed Abdul Wahab Sukkar opened the facility, built with support from the General Company for Iraqi Ports, during a visit to the Fourth Region Border Command in Basra. The facility, located within the Coastal Border Brigade sector, is designed to strengthen control over Iraq’s territorial waters and prevent smuggling and infiltration.
Sukkar’s tour also included visits to the Coastal Border Brigade, responsible for Iraq’s coastal strip, and the 14th Border Brigade overseeing the Iraq-Kuwait border, where security conferences were held to discuss field challenges and solutions.
The inauguration comes as Iraq’s southern waters have faced heightened security concerns since the regional war began Feb. 28, including an attack on two oil tankers in Iraqi territorial waters near Faw in March that killed at least one crew member.