Iraq closes main border crossing with Syria

Iraq has closed its main border post with Syria and sent troops to the frontier after Syrian rebels took control of the Abu Kamal crossing, a local mayor said.

Fahan Fitaiha, the mayor of Qaim, said: "Qaim post, opposite Abu Kamal, is closed and now under the control of the Iraqi army." He said the Syrian Free Army had raised its flag on the other side of the border.