Peregraf
As Syrian opposition forces continue their rapid advances, Iraq has tightened its border security with Syria, completely closing all crossings to prevent potential spillover into its territory.
The Iraqi Minister of Defense held an expanded meeting today with the Operations Commander and brigade commanders in Sinjar, near the Syrian border. The meeting focused on two key issues:
•Assessing the latest developments in Syria and their possible impact on Iraq.
•Strengthening border security measures to prevent the infiltration of terrorists and armed groups into Iraqi territory.
The move comes as Syrian opposition forces, in a significant escalation, have taken control of much of Aleppo, the country’s second-largest city. Following a lightning offensive this week, the rebels swept through villages east of the city, dealing a major blow to President Bashar al-Assad’s forces. The attack marks the first time opposition fighters have entered Aleppo since its recapture by government forces in 2016.
By Saturday morning, rebel forces had seized control of large parts of the city, leaving dozens of government soldiers dead and reigniting a conflict that had been relatively static for years.
Iraq’s heightened security measures underscore growing regional concerns over the ripple effects of Syria’s escalating violence.