Iraq details Syria raid that netted key weapons, militant facilitators

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Security Media Cell chief, Lt. Gen. Saad Maan, said Sunday that a recent cross-border operation inside Syria reflects the growing capabilities of Iraqi intelligence and led to the arrest of two suspects described as a main link in moving weapons and militants toward Iraq.

“The recent security operation that targeted two important targets inside Syria came after precise intelligence tracking that lasted more than five months,” Maan told the state news agency. He said the Falcon Intelligence Cell “used all technical tools and human resources to reach zero hour.”

Maan said the two detainees were responsible for facilitating the transfer of “terrorist elements and weapons from camps inside Syrian territory and attempting to bring them into Iraq,” describing them as “the connecting link.” He said the operation was carried out by an airborne force that relied on “precision, speed of assault and surprise deep inside enemy areas,” preventing losses or the escape of those wanted.

“There was high-level coordination with Syrian security agencies and the international coalition in terms of cross-checking information,” Maan said, adding that Iraqi forces have moved “from crisis management to initiative and preemptive action to paralyze terrorism at its sources.”

The comments follow a statement Thursday by the Security Media Cell confirming the arrest of two suspects wanted by the Iraqi judiciary during an intelligence-led airborne landing in northeastern Syria. The operation was carried out by the Interior Ministry’s Falcon Intelligence Cell, in coordination with Syrian security forces and with technical support from the international coalition, under the direction of the commander in chief of the armed forces.

“Under the direction and follow-up of the respected commander-in-chief of the armed forces,” the cell said, an airborne force “carried out an air landing on two important targets wanted by the Iraqi judiciary in northeastern Syria inside Syrian territory and arrested them.”

The Security Media Cell said such operations show Iraq’s ability to confront cross-border threats. “These distinguished operations carried out by the heroes of the security forces strengthen states’ ability to confront transnational security threats and protect national interests,” the statement said.

Other outlets reported the raid as part of wider Iraqi coordination in Syria, with regional media citing security sources who said the operation was conducted in cooperation with Syrian authorities and supported by the coalition.