Iraq fortifies Syria border as Islamist opposition forces enter Aleppo

BAGHDAD — In response to an offensive by Syrian opposition forces to reclaim Aleppo from the Syrian army, Iraq has reinforced its border with Syria to prevent any potential spillover of conflict. Lieutenant General Mohammed Abdul Wahab Sukkar Al-Saidi, commander of Iraq’s Border Forces, confirmed on Saturday that the 600-kilometer frontier is ‘impenetrable’, with fortifications and support from the Iraqi military and Popular Mobilization Forces.

“Our extensive security measures and robust fortifications along the Iraq-Syria border, manned by brave Border Forces personnel, form an impenetrable shield against anyone with malicious intent toward this country,” Al-Saidi stated to the state run channel Al-Iraqiya TV. “These efforts have earned the trust of Iraqis from the north to the south.”.

Over the past 72 hours, Syrian opposition groups, led by Hayat Tahrir aL-Sham, have launched a significant offensive to reclaim Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city. This marks the most substantial challenge to President Bashar al-Assad’s authority in years. HTS fighters have reportedly captured several neighborhoods and strategic points, including the city’s main square and the historic Citadel of Aleppo.

Iraq shares a 600-kilometer (373-mile) border with Syria, adjacent to territories controlled by various forces. In Syria’s northeast, the border abuts areas under the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Further south, it borders regions held by the Syrian government, supported by Iranian-backed militias.