Shalamcheh, Khuzestan prov, March 28, IRNA-Iraqi border guards closed Monday 'Shalamcheh' border checkpoint, 16 Km west of Persian Gulf city of Khorramshahr, to prevent entry of Iranian pilgrims, on the eve of an important Shia holy day.

A report from an informed source says Iraqi border guard since early Monday prevented Iranian trucks carrying goods and merchandise to enter Iraq from the border checkpoint and increased its security guards in the area.

The informed official, who asked not to be named, said the measure was taken without coordination with Iranian border officials.

The measure forced Iranian merchants and traders to send their goods to Iraq through the Arvandroud (border river) to prevent the material from rotting.

It was also reported that the border checkpoint will be closed untill next Sunday.