Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Iraq, aiming to enhance cooperation in combating IS remnants. This visit follows significant developments in Iraq’s security operations against IS. Talks included concerns over mass killings of Alawite civilians in Syria and the safety of Syrians in Iraq amidst rising tensions.
Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Baghdad, emphasizing the need for enhanced cooperation with Iraq to combat the remnants of the Islamic State group. His visit coincided with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s announcement regarding the killing of a senior IS leader, signaling a renewed focus on security collaboration between the two nations.
Al-Shaibani’s visit marks the first since the Islamist faction’s overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December, complicating Syria-Iraq relations, which had once been strengthened by Assad’s close ties with Baghdad. Iraq, a Shiite-majority nation, has become a strategic partner for the US while also maintaining deep connections with Iran, a key ally of Assad during the civil war.
In a joint news conference with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, al-Shaibani highlighted the shared responsibility of both nations in securing their borders against terrorism, stating, “Security is a shared responsibility.” He expressed readiness to enhance cooperation against Daesh along their border, emphasizing that terrorism is a transnational threat.
Prime Minister Sudani informed that Abdullah Makki Muslih al-Rufayi, a significant IS figure, was eliminated by Iraqi forces. This operation followed US sanctions targeting Rufayi, who was deemed one of the most dangerous terrorists linked to both Syrian and Iraqi IS territories.
Hussein raised concerns about the mass killings of Alawite civilians in Syria, hoping for substantive outcomes from Syria’s ongoing investigations into these events. Baghdad condemned the recent massacre of 1,383 civilians, largely Alawites, and expressed worries about rising tensions affecting the Alawite community in Syria.
Moreover, Iraqi authorities are probing an assault on Syrian workers in Iraq connected to reactions against the civilian killings, leading to multiple arrests of Syrians accused of supporting terrorism. In response, Syria’s foreign ministry condemned the violence against its nationals and called for protective measures from Iraq to ensure the safety of Syrian citizens living there.
The visit of Syria’s interim FM to Iraq underscores efforts to strengthen bilateral collaboration against terrorism, specifically the Islamic State group. Al-Shaibani highlighted security as a mutual obligation, while discussions also covered sensitive issues such as investigations into mass civilian killings in Syria. The evolving diplomatic relations have significant implications for both nations amidst ongoing regional security challenges.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
