President Rashid and Al-Araji affirm Iraq’s ‘readiness’ in face of escalation in Syria

BAGHDAD — Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid met with National Security Advisor Qasim Al-Araji on Sunday to discuss security challenges at the domestic and regional levels, emphasizing support for security agencies and addressing the impact of developments in Syria on regional stability. They emphasized the country’s “readiness” in dealing with the situation.

Following the sudden capture of Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, by militant groups led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, Iraqi First Deputy Speaker Mohsen Al-Mandalawi warned of escalating “terrorist activity” in Syria and its potential impact on Iraq’s security and regional stability.

Lt. Gen. Mohammed Abdul Wahab Sukkar Al-Saidi, commander of Iraq’s Border Forces, declared on Saturday that the 600-kilometer border is “impenetrable.”

Full statement from Iraqi Presidency:

President Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid received National Security Advisor Qasim Al-Araji today, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, at Baghdad Palace.

During the meeting, discussions focused on security developments at both domestic and regional levels. The President emphasized support for security and intelligence agencies, aiming to enhance trust in them and ensure citizens’ cooperation with these institutions.

President Rashid highlighted the significant attention given to developments in Syria and their impact on the region as a whole. He expressed confidence in the level of preparedness and underscored the importance of the international community assuming its responsibilities to support regional stability and prevent further wars, killings, and destruction.

For his part, Al-Araji assured the President of the National Security Advisory’s full readiness to fulfill its duties effectively, ensuring Iraq’s security and the safety of its citizens.