'Iraq preparing for all field scenarios' amid Syria events: PMF Chief

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English
13 Dec 2024 19:40

The Head of the Popular Mobilization Forces of Iraq affirms that Iraq is readying for all possible field scenarios to confront its adversaries' hostile plots.

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Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces chief Faleh Al-Fayyad during his interview with Al Mayadeen, undated (Screengrab)

The Head of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), Faleh al-Fayyad, stressed the need to prepare to confront the enemies' diverse and various plots, urging readiness and the necessity to learn from requisites across neighboring countries, as well as domestic events that occurred in 2014.

In a speech delivered at the Anbar Operations Command on Friday, al-Fayyad stressed that Iraq was preparing for any possible field scenarios, expressing a strong commitment to the people of Iraq and their achievements, especially in light of developments in Syria.

"Today's Iraq does not resemble that of 2014", he emphasized, stressing that no one was allowed to violate its territory or sovereignty. "We will spare no effort in deterring anyone who dares threaten the security of Iraq," he warned.

Al-Fayyad also confirmed that the armed forces, the military, the PMF, and the Ministry of Interior have made joint efforts to maintain border security, stressing the importance of "upholding unity and being as resolute as a sword's edge in facing anyone who seeks to undermine the security of the Anbar province and Iraq."

In the same context, the PMF chief pointed out that Iraqi society is strong and that the tribes represent the primary foundation for building systems framed within the structure of the state.

"Everyone fights in their own field," he added, clarifying that this forms a fundamental pillar for the country’s security and stability, in addition to the awareness of the dangers and the threats posed by those working against Iraq.

Regarding Syria, al-Fayyad confirmed that Iraq "seeks to reach a solution that contributes to Syria's stability," while the occupation is turning it into a "quasi-state, rid of the protection of its army."

11,000 US-trained militants ready to launch attack on Iraq

Earlier this week, member of Iran's Expediency Discernment Council and former IRGC Commander, Mohsen Rezaei, warned on Tuesday that "terrorists are preparing to launch attacks on Iraq."

He stated that 11,000 ISIS militants have been trained at a US military camp in northern Syria, raising concerns that they may target Iraqi cities such as Mosul or Tikrit in the coming months.

In related comments, Rezaei reported that "Israel" had struck 250 military sites and infrastructure targets in Syria within the past 24 hours, while accusing the US and militants of destroying all military sites in the country.

He further suggested that the recent developments in Lebanon, Syria, and potentially Iraq reflect the enemies' growing fear of the region's independence and their efforts to weaken its populations.

In the context of hostile plots, the administration of the Tishreen Dam issued a stark warning earlier today to the Iraqi government, cautioning that the dam is under "continuous shelling, putting it on the verge of collapse."

The administration emphasized that this situation represents "an imminent catastrophe that transcends Syrian borders to directly threaten Iraq."

In a related development, a source told Al Mayadeen that any significant damage to the Tishreen Dam, located southeast of Manbij, could lead to its submersion. This would result in a massive flow of its reservoir waters toward Syrian and Iraqi cities along the Euphrates River, raising fears of potential humanitarian disasters.