Iraq Announces Release of 59 Iraqi Drivers Detained in Syria, Exempting Them from Fines

Demonstrating the Iraqi government's commitment to its citizens abroad, Lieutenant General Omar Al-Waeli, Head of the Border Crossings Authority, announced on Sunday the release of 59 Iraqi drivers previously detained in Syria. This decision also granted them a full exemption from all incurred financial fines. Al-Waeli clarified that these developments followed a direct directive from Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaidi, who instructed the Border Crossings Authority to engage with the Syrian side. Extensive contacts with the Head of the Syrian General Authority for Crossings and Customs were undertaken to resolve violations committed by Iraqi drivers in Syrian territory. Al-Waeli confirmed that sustained coordination and communications led to this positive outcome.