Zerbatiya border crossing handled 60% of passenger traffic, Iraq says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The head of Iraq's Border Crossings Authority, Brigadier General Omar al-Waili, said the Zerbatiya border crossing processed roughly 60% of all entries and exits during the recent period of visitor arrivals and returns. Al-Waili said the surge in departures had been "clearly recorded" since the start of return operations, with authority staff and supporting units working to complete exit procedures without disruption. The brigadier general said coordination continued among all relevant agencies at the border posts, and that teams would keep crossings running smoothly until the last visitor had departed. He added that operations to ease the movement of travelers and organize the return process would continue. Zerbatiya, on the border with Iran in eastern Wasit province, has historically been one of Iraq's busiest land crossings, particularly during Arbaeen-related travel. Al-Waili did not give exact figures for total entries and exits during the period he described, and no further details were immediately available.