A drone photo shows the facilities at the Rabia border crossing between Iraq and Syria in Syria's Hasakah province, on April 20, 2026. Iraq and Syria reopened the Rabia border crossing on Monday, restoring a key overland route closed for nearly 13 years due to conflict and the rise of the terrorist group Islamic State (IS). (Str/Xinhua)

DAMASCUS, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Iraq and Syria reopened the Rabia border crossing on Monday, restoring a key overland route closed for nearly 13 years due to conflict and the rise of the terrorist group Islamic State (IS).

The crossing, known as al-Yarubiyah on the Syrian side, resumed operations after a ceremony in Syria's Hasakah province attended by officials from both countries.

Syria's customs authority said that the crossing is open for transit, trade, import, export, and passenger movement.

Officials from both sides said they discussed steps to streamline border procedures, improve coordination, and expand bilateral trade.

The Rabia crossing, in Iraq's northern Nineveh province near Mosul, closed around 2013 as Syria's civil war intensified and IS militants seized border areas.

With the reopening, all three main border crossings between Iraq and Syria are now operational, officials said, adding that the move could boost economic activity in border areas and strengthen ties.

Syrian authorities said the resumption is expected to enhance trade, facilitate transit, and support broader regional connectivity. ■

A drone photo shows the facilities at the Rabia border crossing between Iraq and Syria in Syria's Hasakah province, on April 20, 2026. Iraq and Syria reopened the Rabia border crossing on Monday, restoring a key overland route closed for nearly 13 years due to conflict and the rise of the terrorist group Islamic State (IS). (Str/Xinhua)