Iraqi commander reports no border violations with Saudi Arabia in two years

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Border Guard Fifth Region commander, Maj. Gen. Rahim Younis Rahim, said the Saudi Arabian border has been the unit's main responsibility and that no violations, smuggling attempts or infiltrations have been recorded over the past two years. Rahim said the frontier is secured through an integrated system supported by thermal cameras, modern surveillance devices and unmanned aerial vehicles. The commander reported that the number of border violations has been recorded as zero. The forces also contributed to security and service plans for the 40th-day Arbaeen commemoration marking the death of Imam Hussein. Seven brigades were deployed along the Najaf northern corridor toward the Karbala border to safeguard the flow of visitors. Support provided to pilgrims included ice-making facilities, medical units, drinking water and a fleet of 350 vehicles for return transportation. The Karbala Governorate and the Supreme Pilgrimage Committee said more than 22 million visitors were received during the 40th-day commemoration, including five million of various Arab and foreign nationalities.