BAGHDAD — Iraq launched its first crude oil export operation to Syria on Friday through the Rabia-Al-Yarubiya border crossing, marking a new step in restoring cross-border energy flows.According to the Iraqi News Agency, the initial shipment included 70 tanker trucks and was carried out under approved regulatory and security procedures.Head of the Border Crossings Authority Omar Al-Waeli said the operation aims to ease pressure on other crossings, diversify export routes, and boost national revenues.Al-Waeli said authorities are working to expand the crossing’s capacity and upgrade infrastructure and logistics services in anticipation of increased activity.He added that land-based oil exports provide an alternative to traditional routes, helping reduce risks and expand distribution options.The crossing was reopened on April 20 after being closed for 13 years due to security conditions and military operations linked to the Syrian war.It is the fourth land crossing between Iraq and Syria to resume operations, following the reopening of Al-Qaim–Al-Bukamal and Al-Walid–Al-Tanf after the fall of the regime of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.The Syrian Petroleum Company said Iraqi fuel exports to Syria are expected to reach around 500,000 metric tons per month.

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