Iraq announces the release of all detained drivers in Syria

Head of the Border Ports Authority, Lieutenant General Omar Adnan Al-Waeli, confirmed on Tuesday the release of all Iraqi tanker drivers who had been detained by Syrian authorities. The authority stated in an official announcement that this step came in implementation of directives and direct follow-up from Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, noting that the efforts successfully resulted in the release of fifteen Iraqi drivers who were previously detained due to violations related to their work in transporting fuel oil via tankers. The statement clarified that the release took place following a series of intensive contacts conducted by the head of the Border Ports Authority, culminating in direct communication with the head of the Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs, Qutaiba Badawi, and the deputy for customs affairs, Khaled Al-Barrad, where the circumstances of the detention were discussed and an agreement was reached to release them all and exempt them from violation fees thanks to bilateral coordination. The statement concluded by indicating that these endeavors reflect the current government's keenness, led by Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, to follow up on the conditions of citizens and look after their interests abroad, especially truck drivers and their vital role in driving the national economy and boosting regional trade exchange despite the hardships.