ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq’s four presidencies and the ruling State Administration Coalition met on Sunday to discuss the latest developments in Syria, and the need to facilitate the return of Iraqi nationals from Syria.
Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, President Abdul Latif Rashid, parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, and President of the Supreme Judicial Council, Faiq Zidan, met with the country’s top political leaders to discuss the latest developments in the region, especially following the collapse of the Syrian regime.
The discussions “focused on recent developments in Syria and their security and political impact on Iraq’s stability and the wider region. Discussions also addressed the situation of Iraqi nationals in Syria, highlighting the necessity of facilitating the safe return of those wishing to repatriate,” according to a statement from Sudani’s office.
“They emphasized the importance of bolstering security efforts along the Iraqi-Syrian border and reinforcing government initiatives to secure the borders,” the statement added.
Syria’s civil war dramatically reignited late last month when a coalition of rebels led by the jihadist Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched a blistering offensive against the Syrian army, seizing the northern city of Aleppo, Hama, Homs, and culminating their victory by capturing the capital Damascus as rebels said Assad fled the country, ending over five decades of Baathist rule.
Since the start of the escalations in Syria, Iraqi forces have been put on high alert. A large-scale operation is underway to enhance border security, including digging trenches and constructing three-meter-high fortified walls.
HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani on Thursday called on Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani not to allow Iraqi armed groups to get involved in the conflict and said his fighters will not pose a threat to Iraq’s national security.
“The meeting reaffirmed Iraq’s consistent position on preserving Syria’s unity, security, and stability. It emphasized the importance of respecting Syria’s sovereignty and the right of its people to live in peace and safety while urging the international community to make serious efforts to support regional stability,” added the statement from Sudani’s office.
