The Iraqi Army has declared that the country’s border with Syria is “fully secured” following the dramatic ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the fall of his regime. The announcement comes amid a major geopolitical shift in the region, with anti-regime forces now in control of Damascus after a 13-year civil war.
Lieutenant General Abdul-Amir Yarallah, Iraq’s Army Chief of Staff, confirmed the developments during a statement to the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA). He emphasized that security measures along the Iraqi-Syrian border have been significantly bolstered to ensure stability and prevent any spillover of violence.
Defensive Lines in Place
General Yarallah highlighted the role of Iraq’s armed forces and the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), also known as Hashd al-Shaabi, in maintaining border security. According to him, the entire border area is reinforced with a robust defensive line, ensuring no unauthorized crossings or infiltration from Syria.
“[The border] has been reinforced by a defensive line from the army and the Popular Mobilization Forces,” Yarallah said. This line of defense is designed to prevent instability from spreading into Iraqi territory as Syria adjusts to a post-Assad political landscape.
No Friction with Syrian Forces
Addressing concerns about potential conflicts with forces on the Syrian side of the border, Yarallah stated that no friction had been reported between Iraqi troops and any groups operating in Syria.
This declaration is significant given the chaotic nature of Syria’s transition of power. The fall of Damascus to anti-regime forces has left a power vacuum in many parts of the country, raising fears of cross-border skirmishes or refugee flows into neighboring states like Iraq.
The Fall of Assad’s Regime
The news of a fully secured border follows the rapid overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s government. Anti-regime forces staged a lightning advance last week, culminating in their capture of the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Sunday.
Reports indicate that Assad fled to Russia amid the turmoil, marking the end of 53 years of Assad family rule in Syria. The civil war, which began in 2011 during the Arab Spring uprisings, saw widespread devastation, with millions displaced and hundreds of thousands killed.
The fall of the Assad regime represents a major turning point in Middle Eastern politics, raising questions about the future of Syria and its role in the region.
Regional Implications
Iraq’s announcement of a secured border is a clear signal to both domestic and international observers that it is prepared to shield itself from potential instability in Syria. The Iraqi government has also demonstrated its ability to manage security in collaboration with the PMF, a key partner in Iraq’s counterterrorism operations.
With the border under control, Iraq may turn its focus toward engaging diplomatically with any emerging leadership in Syria. For now, the priority remains ensuring the safety and security of Iraqi citizens in light of the seismic political shifts unfolding across its western border.
As the region braces for the next chapter in Syria’s tumultuous history, Iraq appears determined to maintain stability within its borders, safeguarding its hard-won peace following years of conflict with extremist groups.
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