Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has warned about the expanding influence of ISIS in Syria following the collapse of the Assad regime. He highlighted the group’s territorial control, weapon acquisition, and recruitment of members. Iraq’s heightened border security measures reflect concerns over potential infiltration and smuggling activities linked to ISIS.
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has raised serious concerns regarding the resurgence of ISIS in Syria, particularly following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. During a discussion at the Davos forum, he indicated that ISIS is expanding its territorial control, acquiring weapons, and recruiting new members. He stated, “ISIS-controlled territory is expanding within Syria,” and cited intelligence that suggests an increase in recruitment due to the weakened Syrian army.
Additionally, Minister Hussein noted Iraq’s anxiety regarding the presence of ISIS militants near its borders, which he referred to as a critical security concern. He pointed out, “ISIS militants are stationed along our borders as well as the Jordanian border, which is a shared concern for us and our regional allies.” Iraq’s strategic vigilance stems from the memories of ISIS’s rapid expansion in 2014 amid the turbulence of Syria’s civil conflict.
In response to this emerging threat, Iraqi forces have reinforced their positions along the 610-kilometer border with Syria after the Assad regime’s fall on December 8. Heightened security measures have been implemented to monitor troop readiness, ensuring that the border is “fully secured.” However, Hussein warned that the border remains a flashpoint susceptible to terrorist infiltration due to its vast, remote terrain.
The border area not only facilitates potential terrorism but is also a critical route for smuggling activities involving drugs, weapons, and militants. Iraqi security officials have taken comprehensive deployment measures to secure this vulnerable area, which is vital for maintaining regional stability and countering the threats posed by ISIS and similar groups.
The concerns raised by the Iraqi Foreign Minister occur against the backdrop of Syria’s prolonged civil conflict, which has significantly weakened state institutions and provided opportunities for ISIS to regain influence. The fall of the Assad regime has led to substantial power vacuums within Syria, allowing extremist groups to expand their operations. The historical context of ISIS’s earlier dominance in Iraq further amplifies the urgency of addressing these threats at the border, which many see as a possible ignition point for renewed conflict.
The warnings from Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein signal an urgent call for regional cooperation to combat the resurgence of ISIS in Syria. As ISIS seeks to expand its control and influence, Iraq’s proactive border security measures are crucial to preventing a repeat of the devastating events of 2014. The collaboration with regional allies and continuous vigilance will be imperative to ensure stability in the region.
Original Source: shafaq.com
