172nd Infantry Brigade

Story by Pfc. Bethany Little

ZURBATIYAH POINT OF ENTRY, Iraq – Work to improve commerce and security in Iraq continued as the Cargo Transload Area opened along the Iraq-Iran border following a ribbon cutting ceremony here, Sept. 26.

The project is a combined effort by Border Transition Team 4351, Task Force Drifter, Point of Entry team, Iraq ministry of finance, Civil Customs, Army Corps of Engineers and Iraqi security forces. The area allows for commerce and safe trading between Iraq and Iran.

"I am very thankful for all of the help Coalition forces have provided for us to create this area," said Maj. Gen. Isam Salih Yaseen, Zurbatiyah, port director, Department of Border Enforcement. "We now have the ability to be more proficient and provide better security between Iraq and Iran."

The CTLA process starts at the border between Iraq and Iran. Trucks are weighed and backed up to the 50-lane transload area, where goods are inspected by customs police. The goods are then transferred into Iraqi trucks and taken to the final inspection area in Iraq.

Inspection includes searching for useable products or produce unfit for consumption and contraband.

From 200-500 cargo trucks pass through the CTLA daily and approximately 5,000 people are processed through the point of entry.

"This project provides an opportunity for customs police to see what is transferred through the two countries and provide security for both countries," said Maj. David W. Gordon, Zebatiya POE team chief, BTT 4351, Task Force Drifter.

The POE is equipped with a dining area, office workspace, an armory, living quarters, bathrooms and showers for the personnel manning the facility.

The CTLA cost $5.3 million to construct, but through taxes, tariffs and fees the CTLA brings in approximately $40,000 or 40-50 million Iraqi dinar.

Key leaders such as Maj. Gen. Richard J. Rowe, director of Iraq Training and Advisory Mission, Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq, and Brig. Gen. Gerald Lang, deputy commanding general for support, Multi-National Division – South, attended the ceremony and toured the facility.

"This project shows how the trade between Iraq and Iran will continue to grow and commercialize in a good way," said Yaseen. "It is a major responsibility to take on this area, but it will help us better our security and strengthen our economy."

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