Iran building new crossing on Syria border that would let it smuggle weapons, oil, experts say | Fox News
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The images, obtained exclusively by Fox News and captured earlier this week, show a new construction in the Albukamal Al-Qaim crossing.
A new construction in the Albukamal Al-Qaim crossing was seen via satellite.
The area is under the control of Pro-Iranian Shiite militias. Last summer, Iran increased its presence in the area.
According to analysts for ISI, which captures satellite data, the existing border crossing is still closed and destroyed, and the Iranians have put a lot of effort and resources into building the new one.
Iran has put significant effort into building the new crossing, analysts said.
Photos obtained by Fox News showed an Iraqi army base near the deserted post.
The existing border crossing remained closed, analysts said.
The border crossing would enable Iran to maintain land access in Syria, Beirut and the Mediterranean Sea. Regional and western sources said the Iranians are planning to use this new route for smuggling operations, including trafficking weapons and oil, to avoid the looming U.S. sanctions. Without Syrian or Iraqi supervision, Iran and its allies would have an unprecedented advantage in transferring whatever they wish, experts say.
An Iraqi army base seen near the deserted crossing.
This development sheds new light on the rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which escalated after President Trump canceled the temporary waivers permitting countries, including Iraq, Turkey, Japan and China, to purchase Iranian oil without violating U.S. sanctions.
