Iran halts trade through Afghan border crossings amid Taliban incursions

Iran’s customs office IRICA has urged businesses not to send export shipments to two main border crossings with Afghanistan after reports showed that Taliban insurgents had occupied facilities on the other side of the border.

IRICA spokesman Rouhollah Latifi said in a statement on Thursday that trade had been halted through Dogharoun and Mahirood border crossings located along Iran’s eastern border with Afghanistan.

Latifi said the closures were imposed after developments were reported on the opposite side of the border affecting the Afghan customs offices in Islam Qala and in Sheikh Abu Nasr Farahi crossings.

The announcement came just after reports showed that Taliban forces had stormed customs offices in the two locations.

The Taliban has launched an all-out offensive since earlier this month to take control of many urban and rural districts across Afghanistan.

SS