PMF head: Increased security readiness along Iraq-Syria border

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
5 Dec 2024 15:32

The head of the Popular Mobilization Forces, Faleh al-Fayyad, confirmed from the Western Ninawa operations area that security readiness has been raised along the Iraq-Syria border.

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PMF chief Faleh al-Fayyad delivers a speech commemorating the assassination of the IRGC's Quds Force commander, Maj Gen Qassem Soleimani, and PMF vice president Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, on 3 January 2021 in Baghdad, Iraq. (AP)

The head of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), Faleh al-Fayyad, confirmed from the western Ninawa operations area in northern Iraq that security preparedness along the Iraq-Syria border has been elevated.

In this regard, Al Mayadeen’s correspondent reported the deployment of military reinforcements along the border, extending as far as the center of al-Qaim district.

Al-Fayyad affirmed that Iraqi military commanders have stated the forces are fully prepared and operating according to planned strategies, with high morale and excellent readiness among the fighters stationed at the border.

On Wednesday, al-Fayyad confirmed the full readiness of the PMF and Iraqi security forces to confront terrorist groups.

Speaking from Ninawa province, he said, "The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has ordered that all necessary resources be provided to support the security forces, who are committed to the country's safety and stability," pledging that Iraq "will remain secure and stable."

He also emphasized that the PMF is deeply rooted, essential, and firmly established in Ninawa while announcing new border security plans and tactics with updated mechanisms.

Escalations in Syria have direct repercussions on Iraq: PMF chief

Prior to that, on Monday, al-Fayyad asserted in a statement that he had instructed an "increase in the presence of units and reinforcements on the fronts," clarifying that the Popular Mobilization Forces operate solely within Iraq and have not entered Syria.

Al-Fayyad reaffirmed that "what is happening in Syria has direct repercussions on Iraqi national security," warning "whoever tries to advance into Iraq" against doing so.

For its part, the Media Directorate of the Popular Mobilization Forces announced that "Iraq is sending military reinforcements from the Popular Mobilization Forces and the army to the western border with Syria."

The deputy speaker of the Iraqi parliament called for "activating intelligence efforts and coordinating with Syria, as well as brotherly and friendly countries, to exchange information," emphasizing the need to conduct "targeted preemptive operations to prevent the infiltration of terrorist groups."