Iraq deploys reinforcements near Syria border following ISIS leader’s death

The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq have announced the deployment of additional reinforcements to strategic areas near the Syria border.

The move follows heightened security measures and comes one day after intense clashes on the Lebanese-Syrian border, as well as just four days after the Iraqi government confirmed the death of ISIS leader Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, also known as Abu Khadija, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Iraqi army commander Amir Rashid Yarallah also conducted a visit to the western Nineveh region, close to the border with Syria, to oversee security operations. The PMF, which works closely with Iraqi security forces, stated that the reinforcements are part of a broader effort to enhance security and stability in the region, in line with a deployment plan initiated by the Nineveh operations command.

Although no specific reason was provided for the increased military presence, the timing is notable. The U.S. Central Command reported the killing of Abu Khadija in an operation in Anbar province, carried out in cooperation with Iraqi intelligence and security forces.

This comes amidst ongoing efforts by Iraqi authorities to tighten border security in response to concerns over ISIS activity, particularly following the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December.

The newly deployed forces, equipped with medium and heavy weapons, are tasked with monitoring the border to prevent any potential threats. Despite the build-up, sources in Anbar indicated no unusual military activity has been detected near the Syria border. Furthermore, the PMF confirmed that there had been no security breaches in the area.

In related developments, Qassem Mosleh, the commander of Anbar operations, affirmed that his forces are well-trained and maintain strong cooperation with local tribes, providing critical intelligence on ISIS operations. Last week, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein held talks in Baghdad with his Syrian counterpart, Asaad al-Shaibani, addressing joint security concerns.

By Aghakazim Guliyev