Skip to main content

Iraq flies hundreds back from Belarus border as EU adds sanctions

Iraq has brought back over 400 of its citizens who chose repatriation after weeks stranded in dire conditions on the Belarus border and failed attempts to enter the EU.
SAFIN HAMED/AFP via Getty Images

ERBIL, Iraq — The international media has been awash for weeks in photos and videos of Iraqis and other would-be migrants suffering from bitterly cold winter conditions in a forested area along the Belarus border with Poland.

Most have been stranded for weeks after unsuccessful attempts to cross the border into Poland on their way to other European countries.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.