Iraq’s Borders Secure, Army Ready to Tackle Any Threat, Says Defence Minister

Iraq’s Defence Ministry's Media Office

Iraq’s Defence Minister Thabet Mohammad Saeed Al-Abbasi boarding a military helicopter.

Iraq’s Defence Minister Thabet Mohammad Saeed Al-Abbasi announced on Tuesday that the country’s borders are firmly under the control of security forces, with robust plans in place to address any potential security challenge.

In a statement, al-Abbasi said: “We assure our honourable people that Iraq’s borders are under the control of our security forces, and that the Iraqi army possesses high capabilities and sound plans to deal with any security challenge.”

He added: “We are closely monitoring regional developments, and we will not allow any threat, including the movements of ISIS elements, to undermine Iraq’s security and stability.”

The minister emphasised the readiness of the armed forces, stating: “Our armed forces, in all their branches, are fully prepared to protect every inch of Iraq’s borders. Our valiant army stands as an impenetrable barrier against any threat and will not allow the spread of any evil or danger, including attempts by ISIS remnants fleeing from Syria. Iraq’s security is a red line.”

The Defence Minister’s remarks come amid heightened tensions in Syria, as government forces have launched attacks on areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), including sites containing prisons and camps holding Islamic State (ISIS) prisoners and their families.

Iraq's Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari said on Monday that the Iraqi-Syrian border is fully secured, warning that any attempt to approach it would be met with gunfire.

Speaking to the Iraq's state media (INA), al-Shammari said: “We are monitoring and following events in Syria daily. We anticipated these events three years ago and have reinforced the international borders, particularly with Syria. We have also dug a 620-kilometre trench along the border.”

He added: “Any approach to the Iraqi border will be met with gunfire.”



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