Syrian forces deploy to Iraqi border amid calls for stronger regional cooperation

By Ahora Qadi

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – A large military convoy belonging to the Syrian Ministry of Defense arrived in the border city of al-Bukamal on Friday evening, as Damascus intensifies efforts to secure its frontier with Iraq amid renewed diplomatic and military coordination between the two countries.

According to Syrian state media, the deployment aims to tighten control over the Syrian-Iraqi border and curb illegal smuggling activities that have surged in recent months following the collapse of the Assad regime.

“The reinforcements arrived late today in al-Bukamal, near the Iraqi border,” Syrian outlets reported. “Their primary objective is to monitor and regulate cross-border movement and illicit trafficking.”

The move comes as Syria and Iraq prepare to reopen the al-Bukamal–al-Qa’im border crossing, a key commercial and transit gateway between the two states. The crossing has remained closed for over four months, following a period of political upheaval and the fall of the previous Syrian regime.

Trade route reopening expected as security tightens

Maazen Alloush, Director of Public Relations at the Syrian General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, confirmed on April 8 that the reopening of the crossing is imminent.

In comments to Shafaq News Agency, Alloush said, “The border crossing will soon reopen to allow for the resumption of trade and transport between Iraq and Syria, following extensive consultations between the Syrian Foreign Ministry and the Iraqi government.”

He explained that while the Iraqi side had maintained the closure, Syrian forces remained in control of their end of the crossing, permitting only the return of Syrian nationals from Iraq and voluntary repatriation. “Since the fall of the Assad regime, over 10,000 Syrians have returned to their homeland,” he added.

Alloush noted that all other Syrian border points remain closed, with the exception of the al-Tanf crossing, which is currently administered by the US-led Global Coalition. Other border crossings are under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Regional diplomacy intensifies over Syrian crisis

The military deployment to al-Bukamal and the expected reopening of cross-border channels coincided with a diplomatic visit by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani to Doha, where he held a trilateral meeting with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

A senior Iraqi government source said that the meeting was convened in response to the rapid developments in Syria. During the talks, Sudani reiterated Iraq’s concern over Israel’s growing military presence on Syrian soil.

He also reaffirmed Iraq’s principled stance on Syria, advocating for “a comprehensive political process, the protection of religious and ethnic diversity, the preservation of holy sites and places of worship, and the respect for human rights,” particularly in light of recent events involving the Alawite community.

The Iraqi PM urged the new Syrian government to take “serious and tangible steps” in combating ISIS and restoring nationwide stability. “Progress in these areas would pave the way for deepening bilateral ties and developing cooperative mechanisms that enhance regional security and shared interests,” he reportedly told his counterparts.