The Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces denies sending forces to help Syrian government to repel rebels’ attacks
The head of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces, Faleh al Fayyadh, denied any presence of the Popular Mobilization Forces inside Syrian territory, stressing that the Mobilization Forces are an official force operating under the command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces.
Fayyadh stated that what is happening in Syria has direct repercussions on Iraqi national security, explaining that the “Zionist entity” seeks to impose its hegemony in the region through armed conflicts.
Fayyadh added that the Popular Mobilization Forces operate only inside Iraq, and that the borders with Syria are well fortified, stressing that all Iraqi forces, including the Popular Mobilization Forces, operate under the command of the Joint Operations.
In a related context, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior announced that the fortifications on the border with Syria are among the strongest and cannot be penetrated.
Brigadier General Muqdad Miri, spokesman for the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, said in a press conference that the Iraqi border is equipped with thermal cameras operating around the clock, and has recently been reinforced with additional forces from the Iraqi army, the Popular Mobilization Forces, the Rapid Response Division, and the Federal Police.
On the other hand, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein called his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan to discuss the current situation in Syria.
Both sides stressed that the situation in Syria is very complicated and should not pose a threat to the stability of the region.
They also stressed the need for continued coordination between the two countries to assess the security situation and prevent the situation in Syria from affecting its neighbors.
