Iraq closing borders with Syria, Iran 'for 72 hours', but when uncertain

Above: An Iraqi border official and his Iranian counterpart check the passports of two Iranian women at the Munthriya border crossing point

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Iraq will close its borders with Syria and Iran for 72 hours as part of the drive to secure and pacify Baghdad, the Iraqi commander of the crackdown said Tuesday, hours after a suicide bombing in a mainly Shiite neighborhood killed at least 15 people.

Lt. Gen. Abboud Gambar, addressing the nation on behalf of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, did not say when the borders would be closed. A government official said it was expected within two days.

The government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media, said the borders with Iran would only be partially reopened even after the 72-hour period ended.

The U.S. military announced last week that the sweep was already in progress. But an al-Maliki aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject, said the operation had not yet begun, as far as the Iraqi government was concerned.

Read the rest at the Guardian

Related Link:
Report: Syria tightens access for Iraq refugees under new rules

Related Link:
Tensions continue to rise as Iraq says 50% of bombers come through Syria

Related Link:
Syria rejects accusations by Iraq over refugee restrictions; Says some 'linked to Washington' trying to stir split

Related Link:
Tensions rise as Iraq blames Syria over treatment of refugees, restrictions on travel; Decries Assad meeting with al-Dhari

Related Link:
Iraq halts all flights to Syria, closes border crossing with Iran

Related Link:
Iran Closes Border Crossings With Iraq