Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Iraq to strengthen cooperation against the Islamic State. This marks his first visit since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani announced the killing of a senior IS leader during this period. The meeting sought to address mutual security concerns and ongoing humanitarian investigations following civilian massacres in Syria.
On Friday, Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Baghdad, expressing his government’s intent to enhance cooperation with Iraq in combating remnants of the Islamic State (IS) group. This visit occurred concurrently with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s announcement regarding the elimination of a high-ranking IS leader.
This marks Shaibani’s first trip to Iraq since the Islamist coalition that he is part of ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December. Since that time, relations between Syria and Iraq have grown increasingly complex due to the political shifts that have transpired.
Iraq’s Shiite Muslim majority government has maintained strategic ties with both the United States and Iran, which previously supported Assad’s regime. Throughout Assad’s 13-year civil conflict, various armed groups in Iraq were actively engaged in supporting his administration against the opposition forces, which predominantly consist of Sunni Muslim rebels.
During his visit, Shaibani met Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, where he emphasized the collaborative responsibility in ensuring security, stating, “Security is a shared responsibility. We are ready to reinforce cooperation with Iraq in the fight against Daesh along the whole length of the border. Terrorism knows no borders.”
Prime Minister Sudani highlighted a successful operation that led to the death of Abdullah Makki Muslih al-Rufayi, deemed one of the most perilous terrorists globally. Sudani noted that this operation was a result of Iraqi intelligence working closely with the international coalition against jihadist forces.
At the joint press conference, Minister Hussein expressed hopes for significant outcomes from an investigation initiated by Syria into the extensive civilian mass killings which primarily affected the Alawite community. He voiced concerns regarding the Alawite population, previously targeted by state forces, and expressed optimism about a forthcoming inquiry for civil peace.
Baghdad has condemned the massacre of at least 1,383 civilians earlier this month, which mainly involved members of Assad’s sect. Following this, Iraqi authorities are looking into an incident involving Syrian workers targeted in Iraq amidst claims of ongoing tensions over the mass killings.
Recent actions by Iraqi forces have seen the arrest of thirteen Syrians accused of endorsing terrorist groups and instigating violence. In response, Syria’s foreign ministry denounced these aggressions against Syrians and has called on Baghdad to implement safety measures for Syrian nationals resident in Iraq.
The visit of Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani to Iraq underscores a strategic commitment to enhance collaboration in security against terrorist threats. With complexities arising from historical alliances and recent geopolitical shifts, the dialogue between Iraq and Syria is now pivotal in addressing security and humanitarian concerns. Continued investigations into civilian atrocities and cooperative efforts will be foundational in stabilizing relations and fostering civil peace within both nations.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
