Jordan says Iraq closes shared border until further notice
16-07-2015 05:54 PM
Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - A Jordanian government official and the state news agency Petra say Iraq has closed the only border crossing between the two countries.
Iraqi officials were not available for comment Thursday.
Much of the area between the Trebil crossing and the Iraqi capital of Baghdad is controlled by Islamic State militants, and travel there is dangerous.
A prolonged border closure would mean a further blow to the Jordanian economy because it cuts off another export route. In the spring, Jordan closed its trade crossing with Syria after Islamic militants seized it.
Petra said Thursday that Jordanian drivers are being urged not to head to the Iraqi border.
A Jordanian official confirmed the report. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss closure details with the media.
*AP