Security
Omar Adnan Al-Waeli, Head of the Border Crossings Authority, asserted a firm commitment to combating smuggling and ensuring legal accountability for all negligent parties. This affirmation came during a surprise field visit he conducted on Sunday to the Al-Shaib border crossing in Maysan Governorate. Al-Waeli underscored that border crossings constitute the nation's primary defense for both security and economic stability. The visit aimed to monitor the implementation of government directives issued by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces' office and to directly supervise the adherence of all operating departments. During his tour of the crossing's yards and sections, Al-Waeli directly observed daily work procedures, the level of discipline, and the control mechanisms for the movement of goods and individuals. Al-Waeli then convened a comprehensive meeting with directors and representatives of government and security departments at Al-Shaib. He emphasized their critical responsibilities: establishing full control over the crossing, preventing all forms of smuggling, safeguarding public funds from waste, and maximizing the state's non-oil revenues. He stated unequivocally that these essential tasks permit no leniency or shortcomings from any involved entity. To bolster security measures, Al-Waeli mandated the intensified activation of security and intelligence roles within border crossings. He directed security and intelligence agencies to conduct continuous field operations and monitor movement. He stressed the importance of preventing prohibited or illicit substances from passing through, requiring regular, direct reports to the border crossing director, who functions as the head of the intelligence cell. He warned that relevant agencies would bear full legal responsibility for any security lapse or illegal crossing attempt. On the customs front, the Head of the Authority stressed the obligation for General Authority for Customs employees to perform precise and comprehensive inspections on all goods entering the country without exception. He explicitly stated that no truck should be permitted to pass before completing all entry procedures and undergoing actual verification to match its cargo details with customs documents and declarations. In an effort to enhance security and intelligence integration, Al-Waeli highlighted the necessity of officers from both the National Intelligence Service and the National Security Service being present within customs inspection and exchange zones. This measure is intended to elevate oversight and prevent the exploitation of crossings for conveying prohibited materials or engaging in any illegal activity that could jeopardize the nation's security and economy. Al-Waeli concluded his remarks by reaffirming that border crossings are not merely transit points but are the foremost bulwark protecting the state's security and economy. He indicated that implementing government directives is a shared responsibility among all operating departments and entities. He urged the highest degrees of vigilance and discipline in the current phase, stressing that there is no room for complacency in protecting public funds, nor for allowing any avenue for smuggling or legal infringement. This visit forms part of the Authority Head's ongoing field monitoring to assess operational realities, address deficiencies, and enhance performance, aligning with government objectives to strengthen control, ensure border security, and boost non-oil revenues.
