Iraqi Border Fort

A while back I posted on new forts being constructed on Iraq's border. The picture I revealed of course, wasn't one of the new forts but a replica from the Wild West. CentCom just posted what one of these modern castles look like with this story:

Forty border forts are being constructed in five different governorates. The location for each was determined by MOI/DBE. As it turns out they are on routes known to be frequented by smugglers both into and out of Iraq and Iran. Allegedly those going to Iran are taking cigarettes and liquor; those coming are in possession of automobile parts. There is a mirror border fort on the Iranian side for each of those going up in the Iraqi side.

These forts are not truly designed to be a tactical position from which to defend advancing aggression. They are a home location to twelve to fifteen border guards, who conduct border patrol activities from them. Each fort has general living space, sleeping accommodations, a kitchen, and bath facilities. They also have offices and detention cells for their border watch business.