Saudi Arabia arrests 7,000 Iraqi smugglers

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has arrested 7,000 Iraqis for trying to smuggle drugs and other contraband goods into the kingdom so far this year, the country’s Okaz newspaper said on Thursday.

The paper said the smugglers were exploiting “the absence of Iraqi border guards” along the 800 km desert frontier dividing the two countries. Saudi Arabia has been under pressure to seal its borders to prevent anti-US insurgents crossing into Iraq but is also anxious to prevent militants slipping into the kingdom. Officials were not immediately available to comment on the report. reuters

Home | National