KHANAQIN

town, northeastern Iraq. Located 5 miles (8 km) from the Iranian border at a rail terminus, Khanaqin is a customs station and is situated on a main road that, before the Iran-Iraq War (198090) and later closure of the border, was used by Iranian Muslims on pilgrimages to Iraqi and Arabian holy cities. The town lies in a fertile and intensively cultivated area along the Alwand River and serves as a local trade centre for agricultural produce and livestock. There is an oil field nearby, and a refinery is located at Alwand, 3 miles (5 km) to the southeast of Khanaqin. Pop. (1985 est.) 30,848.