Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has raised alarms about the growing threat of ISIS resurgence in Syria, noting the group’s expanding territorial control, acquisition of weapons, and recruitment efforts. Following the Assad regime’s weakening, Iraqi forces are intensifying their security measures along the border with Syria to prevent a repeat of past crises, while assuring that the border is “fully secured.”
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has expressed deep concerns regarding the growing threat of an ISIS resurgence in Syria. He noted that the group is expanding its control over territory, acquiring weapons, and recruiting new members amidst the weakening of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which has faced significant setbacks against armed opposition forces. In his remarks at the Davos forum, Hussein highlighted, “ISIS-controlled territory is expanding within Syria. The collapse of the Syrian army has allowed ISIS and other groups to seize more weapons, and intelligence indicates a surge in new recruits.”
Minister Hussein also pointed out the strategic implications of ISIS’s proximity to Iraq’s borders, stating that militants are positioned along the border with both Syria and Jordan. This has raised significant security concerns for Iraq and its regional allies. The government is particularly apprehensive about a scenario reminiscent of 2014, when ISIS successfully took control of large portions of the country during the tumult of Syria’s civil war.
In response to the emerging threat, Iraqi forces have bolstered their presence along the 610-kilometer border with Syria since the fall of the Assad regime on December 8. Iraqi security officials have reported that the border is “fully secured” due to extensive deployment measures, and commanders are actively monitoring troop readiness to prevent any vulnerabilities. Nevertheless, the border remains a vital point of concern due to its vast and remote landscape, which facilitates the activities of terrorists and smuggling operations, including drugs and weapons.
The recent commentary from Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein emerges from a context of heightened violence and instability in Syria. Following the weakening of the Assad regime, there has been a noted resurgence of ISIS, which capitalizes on such chaos to regain strength and territorial control. The dynamics of regional security are further complicated by the geographic closeness of insurgent activity to Iraq, necessitating an awareness and strategic responsiveness from Iraqi officials and security entities to prevent a repeat of past atrocities.
In summary, the warnings articulated by Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein regarding ISIS’s expanding presence in Syria underscore a significant regional security threat. With Iraq taking preventive measures to secure its borders, it is evident that the country remains vigilant against potential setbacks reminiscent of previous ISIS offensives. The situation demands continuous monitoring and collaboration among regional allies to address the risks posed by the ongoing instability in Syria.
Original Source: shafaq.com
