Islamic State takes border station in Iraqi desert with drug smuggling wali A recent incident along Iraq’s western border and alleged connections between drug smuggling and Islamic State cells in the area have raised concern. An Iraqi Shiite fighter from a Popular Mobilization Units rides his motorbike in Qaim on the Iraqi side of the border with Syria on Nov. 12, 2018. - AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP via Getty Images
May 8, 2021
BAGHDAD Orders to arrest three Iraqi border guard commanders in late April after positions were abandoned and equipment and weaponry were left to alleged Islamic State (IS) attackers seemed to show seriousness on the part of the government but also fostered concern.