The Iraqi-Syrian border is witnessing a state of Iraqi military mobilization in light of the recent developments in Syria. Iraqi officials affirm that the border is fully secured through procedures, fortifications, watchtowers, and advanced thermal camera systems.
Dense concentrations of military units are deployed along the border, while Iraqi forces are implementing measures that include optimal barriers in the form of earth berms and a concrete wall, in addition to electronic surveillance cameras spread along the entire border strip, as well as the presence of a second line of army units and the Popular Mobilization Forces.
The Iraqi mobilization comes in light of military changes in Syria, which have seen the entry of government forces into northern and eastern Syria following the withdrawal of the Syrian Democratic Forces from those areas, while United States forces intensify the transfer of Islamic State members from Hasakah prisons to Iraq.
Threats remain
Researcher in Iraqi political affairs Aliya Abbas Khalaf tells +963 that the recent military mobilizations must be read within a broader strategic context. She adds that according to the geopolitical data and changes surrounding the region regionally and internationally, and the repercussions of sensitive and critical developments, these military mobilizations are supposed to be part of a long term security strategy.
She continues that all these events have repercussions that are not easy and are not limited to the short term, but are expected to extend for a considerable period, unfortunately. She further explains that all these movements are not linked only to what is happening in Syria, but to the Arab region as a whole.
The researcher draws attention to a highly sensitive file, noting that one must not overlook the sensitive and complex Islamic State issue for both Iraq and Syria alike, including the repercussions of transferring Islamic State prisoners and their families who were living in al-Hol camp, as not all wanted terrorists and their families have been tried, and this file has not been closed definitively in a fair and swift manner once and for all.
She adds another dimension to the risks, explaining that the United States uses the Islamic State card as a tool to pressure Iraq and threaten its national and internal security, in a way that serves its interests or provides justified pretexts for future policies that could be used to create chaos at any moment, in order to entrench a new plan in the region that primarily serves its interests and those of Israel at the expense of Iraq’s security and stability.
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Abbas Khalaf confirms that despite strict security measures, military mobilizations, the security fence that cost Iraq more than 25 million dollars, thermal cameras, and foot patrols, some Islamic State elements were still able to attempt to infiltrate across the border, but the situation was handled.
She then moved to warn of economic consequences, saying that ultimately all these tensions on the border will certainly have a significant impact on trade movement and the fragile economic situation of both countries.
She adds in explaining the Syrian situation that it is fully understood that the Syrian people are barely catching their breath after severe economic suffering, the Syrian pound falling to record lows, the repercussions of the fall of the regime, and the sectarian violations that followed, which are likely to leave scars whose effects will extend for years in the psyche of the Syrian citizen.
She continues that Iraq is not in a better condition, as new taxes ranging between 30 percent and 60 percent have been imposed, the issue of employee salaries is on the brink of collapse, the services file is in poor condition, thousands of graduates have not been appointed due to the budget deficit, allowances for academic degrees for employees have been cancelled, and strikes have been ongoing for two days.
Preempting security concerns
For his part, researcher in Iraqi political affairs Dr Jassim al-Ghurabi addresses in a conversation with +963 the preemptive reasons behind the Iraqi mobilizations. He says that the Iraqi mobilizations on the Syrian border were present from the moment the Syrian regime changed, because for twenty three years most terrorism came from Syria, even during the time of the ousted Bashar al-Assad.
Al-Ghurabi explains the current reasons for caution, saying that the new mobilizations and the presence of military forces after the civil war currently taking place in Syria mean that Iraq must exercise caution.
He clarifies some possible scenarios, noting that there may be displacement of civilian families, the friendly Syrian people, crossing into Iraqi territory out of fear of the fierce battles currently taking place between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian army.
He warns of a mixed threat, stating that therefore Iraq must be on high alert and vigilant, as some terrorists may enter among the civilians fleeing the fighting in that area.
He draws attention to the broader political background, saying that there is a political game and an international project currently unfolding in Syria, with clear ambitions from Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United States, and Russia, and that Iraq must be cautious, as Iraq is not isolated from this issue.
He concludes his remarks by emphasizing the necessity of maximum preparedness, saying that Iraqi forces must anticipate the worst case scenarios that could occur in this region, through supporting the Iraqi national mobilization in these provinces, referring to the border provinces.
