"Iraq ready to respond to any terrorist threats" says Maj. Gen. Rasool

Nov. 30, 2024

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - On Saturday, Major General Yehia Rasool, spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, responded to a number of questions by Kurdistan24 regarding the unfolding events in Syria, the conflict between the Syrian Army and Syrian Opposition forces, chief among them Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and its allies.

The spokesperson reiterated that the border area between Iraq and Syria remains protected, stating “Any terrorist group attempting to cross the Iraqi-Syrian border will be met in the strongest manner possible.”

In his statement, Maj. Gen. Rasool stated that, “we reassure the citizens that all the border area with the neighboring country Syria remains unbreached and protected. Drones and security cameras are placed to monitor all activities and movements along the border areas.”

Iraqi Armed Forces Spokesperson also highlighted the importance of security along the border areas with Syria, “giving priority to the northeast of Syria”. He also added that the Iraqi Army is supporting the border guards.

“The Iraqi intelligence agency is continuing to monitor the area for any movements by terrorist groups towards Iraqi border. Any movement towards our borders will be responded to in the strongest manner possible,” the statement stressed.

Maj. Gen. Rasool also emphasized that the barracks of the border guards are armed with modern weaponry and that, “the Iraqi security forces are fully prepared to confront all the threats.”

Additionally, he clarified the purpose behind the visit by Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet al-Abbasi on Saturday to the border area as “inspection” as well as “tracking the security situation in the Iraq-Syria border areas.”

 Following days of intense fights between the Syrian Army and these opposition groups, albeit heavily armed, the Syrian Army retreated from Aleppo resulting in the capture of the city by the Syrian opposition groups.  

The unfolding events in Syria have caused concerns in Baghdad as the Iraqi government closely monitors the situation in Syria. Iraq continues to warn of an escalation of events.

The Iraqi military officials also revealed that since Friday, the border control guards and military combat units along the Iraqi-Syrian border have been placed on high alert in response to the developing situation in Syria's Aleppo city.