'Inaccurate and far from reality'
Iraqi command asserts border situation with Syria under control amid ‘misinformation’
NINEVEH – The Iraqi Joint Operations Command issued a statement Wednesday evening, stating the situation is “under control” and the borders are actively monitored by cameras.
The command emphasized that security operations are effectively neutralizing remaining ISIS cells. It also addressed misinformation spreading on social media about security disturbances in Nineveh and along the western borders with Syria.
On July 21, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced the release of over 1,200 detainees under a general amnesty, which included individuals suspected of affiliations with the Islamic State terror group. Some of these were identified as Iraqi nationals, fueling speculation on social media about their potential return to Iraq. The detainees had been held in various detention facilities managed by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, a region controlled by the SDF.
“Our heroic units continue their proactive and preemptive operations, delivering heavy blows to the remaining ISIS cells and chasing their remnants with the support of our noble citizens,” the statement read. “Reports on social media about security disturbances in Nineveh and along the Syrian border are inaccurate and far from reality.”
The command assured a “high level of deployment and control” by security units from the Ministries of Defense and Interior, along with the Popular Mobilization Forces. The Iraqi border with neighboring countries has seen significant advancements in terms of units, fortifications, obstacles, monitoring towers, technical surveillance resources, and all combat, technical, and administrative requirements. Additionally, a “substantial, well-trained reserve force” from all branches of the security units is in place, the statement explained.
The command also warned against “malicious rumors” spread by certain social media pages. “We urge the public to verify the accuracy of information and obtain security-related updates from official sources,” the statement concluded.
The Islamic State, which declared a caliphate in 2014 after seizing vast territories in Iraq and Syria, was officially expelled from Iraq in 2017 by Iraqi forces and the Peshmerga, supported by a U.S.-led coalition. Despite the defeat of its last Syrian stronghold in 2019 to U.S.-backed Kurdish forces, residual members of the group continue to pose a threat to the region.
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