PMF official denies deployment of forces to Syria amid HTS offensive

BAGHDAD – A senior commander in Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces has denied reports of their forces crossing into Syria, asserting that the focus remains on securing the country’s borders amid escalating conflict led by Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham and allied groups in northern Syria aginas the Syrian government.

In an interview with Al-Ahd TV, Qassem Musleh, the PMF commander for Anbar operations, confirmed that reinforcements are being sent to bolster the Iraqi border with Syria but firmly dismissed claims that any forces had moved into the conflict zones. “Officially, not a single Iraqi fighter has left Iraq for Syria,” Musleh said. “On the contrary, border crossings with Syria have been closed.”

Musleh acknowledged, however, the presence of Iraqi factions already operating within Syria but clarified that these do not represent official PMF deployments. He further accused the United States of “jamming” Iraqi air operations near the border, claiming that U.S. surveillance of the area has been continuous for the past three months.

Reports have circulated on social media claiming that Popular Mobilization Forces units have crossed from Iraq into Syria to support the Syrian government. However, these claims remain unsubstantiated, with no evidence provided to corroborate such movements.

Reuters, citing Syrian sources, is reporting today that “dozens” of PMF fighters crossed into Syria overnight.

In late November 2024, Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, an Islamist rebel group, with some other opposition groups, launched a surprise offensive in northwestern Syria, capturing significant territories, including parts of Aleppo, Idlib and Hama. This rapid advance marked a substantial shift in the prolonged Syrian conflict, as HTS and allied factions seized over 50 towns and villages, encountering minimal resistance from pro-government forces.

In response to these developments, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani held a telephone conversation with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad. Concurrently, Iraq has taken precautionary measures by closing its borders with Syria to prevent potential spillover of the conflict.

Some excerpts of Qassem Musleh’s interview with Al-Ahd TV:

There is a Zionist plan to divide Syria, and Arab nations must be vigilant as the Syrian situation cannot endure further shocks.

Significant military preparations are underway along the Iraqi-Syrian border. We have received new reinforcements, and the PMF Commission has instructed us to deploy all forces. Sunni tribal leaders have contacted us and expressed their readiness to fight to prevent a repeat of the events of 2014.

The border is secured with several defensive lines, including an earthen trench, barbed wire, inflatable walls, and concrete barriers, in addition to thermal cameras to monitor for any infiltration attempts.

We do not expect any attacks on Iraqi sites, but if they occur, we have all the necessary weapons to respond, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is monitoring the situation at the highest level.

We are capable of protecting the country and have aerial capabilities that can be utilized if the Americans lift their restrictions on Iraqi airspace. Currently, they do not allow us full sovereignty over our airspace.

The Americans operate freely in Iraqi airspace and prevent us from using Iraqi aviation. On several occasions in our sector, our aircraft lost signals due to American jamming devices.

Restoring sovereignty over our airspace will remain impossible as long as the Americans are present in Iraq. Either they leave, or Iraq must work to enhance its military capabilities to overcome the American restrictions on our aerial capacity.

The Americans control and are present in all air zones in Iraq. Their drones and military aircraft have not ceased surveillance of our sector for three months, closely monitoring our movements and jamming our communications, especially during preemptive strikes against ISIS hideouts.

We need technical support more than logistical or military aid. Some areas are extremely rugged and cannot be accessed with standard vehicles. Drone surveillance could help, but the Americans prohibit its use.

Officially, not a single Iraqi fighter has left Iraq for Syria. On the contrary, border crossings with Syria have been closed. However, this does not include the Iraqi factions already present in Syrian territory.