In Pictures

A dangerous smuggling route across Iraq-Iran border

Couriers who work for Iranian and Iraqi Kurdish smugglers risk shootings and jail time.

Smuggling through Iraq-Iran Kurdistan region/Please Do Not Use — The border area is inhabited by Iraqi Kurdish shepherds and farmers. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]

By Mauricio Morales

For decades, the Iraq-Iran border has served as a smuggling route, mainly to transport goods to Iran.

Since the fall of president Saddam Hussein, the border has been controlled by Kurdish groups and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Frequent clashes have been witnessed too.

Couriers who work for Iranian and Iraqi Kurdish smugglers face high temperatures and the risk of shooting by border guards, all to earn an estimated $25 a trip.

On a recent afternoon, machine-gun fire was audible at certain spots along the border.

The increased presence of Iranian Kurdish armed groups in the area has added to the risks facing these smuggling operations.

Smuggling through Iraq-Iran Kurdistan region/Please Do Not Use — Couriers use horses to carry contraband merchandise from Iraq to Iran. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]

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Smuggling through Iraq-Iran Kurdistan region/Please Do Not Use — During the daytime, couriers camp in a location near the Iraq-Iran border, awaiting the delivery of contraband. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]

Smuggling through Iraq-Iran Kurdistan region/Please Do Not Use — Mules are also used to transport contraband products to Iran. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]

Smuggling through Iraq-Iran Kurdistan region/Please Do Not Use — The Iraqi and Iranian Kurdish couriers span a wide range of age groups. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]

Smuggling through Iraq-Iran Kurdistan region/Please Do Not Use — Alcohol and tobacco products are the main items smuggled into Iran, due to local bans. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]

Smuggling through Iraq-Iran Kurdistan region/Please Do Not Use — A courier prepares himself for the trip across the border. Trips are mainly done at night to avoid border patrols. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]

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Smuggling through Iraq-Iran Kurdistan region/Please Do Not Use — Couriers face a variety of risks to earn their living. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]

Smuggling through Iraq-Iran Kurdistan region/Please Do Not Use — Couriers wait on the Iranian side of the border for a call telling them that it is safe to cross. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]

Smuggling through Iraq-Iran Kurdistan region/Please Do Not Use — At other smuggling points, couriers walk through mountainous border areas without horses or other transport. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]

Smuggling through Iraq-Iran Kurdistan region/Please Do Not Use — A man hesitates after an incident the previous day, in which he says border guards shot at a group of couriers, killing one. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]

Smuggling through Iraq-Iran Kurdistan region/Please Do Not Use — Kurdish forces from Iran often control the smuggling routes. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]

Smuggling through Iraq-Iran Kurdistan region/Please Do Not Use — After being stranded for a night, the couriers will try again to cross the border. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]

Smuggling through Iraq-Iran Kurdistan region/Please Do Not Use — Many of the couriers along this smuggling route are Iranian Kurds, and the crossing comes with risks of shootings or jail time. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]

Smuggling through Iraq-Iran Kurdistan region/Please Do Not Use — Many times, the contraband is confiscated by Iranian forces. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]