Anbar residents fear ISIS resurgence following Assad regime collapse
“Citizens fear the return of ISIS from the Syrian border, especially after the fall of the Assad regime. The more Iraq prioritizes border protection, the safer we will be,” an Anbar resident told Kurdistan24.

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Residents of Iraq's Anbar province have expressed growing concern over the potential revival of ISIS militants following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria. The militant group has reportedly taken control of significant areas in Syria, raising fears that instability may spill over into Iraq.
Abdullah Jaghefi, advisor to the head of the Anbar Provincial Security Committee, sought to reassure the public. In a statement to Kurdistan24, Jaghefi emphasized that Iraq's western borders are secure and heavily monitored. "The borders are fully fenced and protected, and troops are stationed there with full military equipment. Operations are proceeding smoothly. As for prisoners in northern Syria [al-Hol Camp], I see no impact on Iraq, particularly in the Anbar and Nineveh provinces," he said.
Despite these assurances, many residents of Anbar remain wary. Some fear the fragile security situation could deteriorate, putting local communities at risk. However, they continue to commend the efforts of security forces in safeguarding the province and maintaining border integrity.
“Citizens fear the return of ISIS from the Syrian border, especially after the fall of the Assad regime. The more Iraq prioritizes border protection, the safer we will be,” an Anbar resident told Kurdistan24.
Another local underscored the strategic importance of Anbar, highlighting the province's extensive borders with Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. “The region has recently faced dangerous security developments. Anbar's location and size make it vulnerable. People are calling for increased support to ensure full control over the borders,” he added.
Security officials continue to monitor the situation closely, as Iraq navigates the potential fallout from ongoing instability in neighboring Syria.