Iraq facilitates safe return of 1,905 Syrian military personnel
In a statement shared with the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the JOC detailed that on Dec. 7, Syrian military personnel, including officers, and staff from the Abu Kamal border crossing, sought refuge with Iraqi forces. The individuals requested entry into Iraqi territory amid escalating unrest in Syria.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Iraqi Joint Operations Command (JOC) announced on Thursday the successful return of 1,905 Syrian military officers and personnel, ensuring their safe handover to the Syrian side.
In a statement shared with the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the JOC detailed that on Dec. 7, Syrian military personnel, including officers, and staff from the Abu Kamal border crossing, sought refuge with Iraqi forces. The individuals requested entry into Iraqi territory amid escalating unrest in Syria.
"Based on humanitarian considerations and after obtaining official approvals, our armed forces stationed at the Syrian crossing facilitated their entry," the statement noted. Iraqi authorities swiftly formed committees comprising representatives from various ministries, security, and intelligence departments. These committees collaborated with Syrian military personnel to register their identities and inventory their weapons, ensuring proper documentation and security measures.
The Iraqi Ministry of Defense provided temporary housing for Syrian military personnel, organized their belongings, and secured their weapons in a trust managed by the ministry.
The handover process began on Dec. 18, with 36 Syrian employees from the Abu Kamal border crossing voluntarily returning to Syria. On Thursday morning, December 19, the remaining 1,869 officers and personnel were transported back to their country through the Abu Kamal border crossing. Their return was coordinated with Syrian authorities and included written pledges from individuals and their families.
The JOC emphasized that the return process was carried out with respect for the Syrian people's wishes and aligned with an amnesty issued by the current Syrian authorities. The amnesty facilitated the reintegration of these personnel into their designated positions and ensured their safety upon return.
The Iraqi security forces called on Syrian authorities to uphold human rights standards, safeguard the returned personnel, and protect their families. The JOC also assured that the weapons belonging to Syrian personnel remain in the Iraqi Ministry of Defense’s custody and will be returned to the new Syrian government once it is established.
