Iraq Issues Warning Over Resurgence of Daesh Threats in Syria
Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has issued a caution regarding the increasing operations of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in Syria. The alert comes in the wake of the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's administration late last year.
During the fifth high-level meeting of the Iraq-Turkey security mechanism, held on Sunday in the southwestern Turkish city of Antalya, a warning was issued.
Hussein has issued a warning about the rising activities of Daesh in Syria, urging the creation of a five-member operations room consisting of Iraq, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria to address the threat effectively.
The security landscape in Syria continues to be precarious following the overthrow of Assad’s government on December 8, 2024, by militant groups spearheaded by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
The Iraqi al-Maalomeh news agency, referencing informed sources who requested anonymity, reported earlier this year that Daesh militants are operating in approximately twelve areas across Syria.
Sources have indicated that nearly 50% of the weaponry utilized by Daesh militants originates from the United States, hinting at the possibility of clandestine support provided to the extremist group.
It has been claimed that Daesh militants are operating unimpeded across expansive regions in Syria, while American military forces stationed there are reportedly not engaging in efforts to confront them.
In further comments, Hussein expressed Baghdad’s backing for the Turkish government’s efforts to address the protracted conflict involving the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militant organization. He also welcomed Abdullah Ocalan’s appeal for the disbandment of all factions operating under the PKK umbrella.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that Ankara and Baghdad are meticulously monitoring regional developments. He emphasized that both parties are jointly assessing existing security concerns, specifically focusing on counter-terrorism efforts and potential security developments.
Iraq has officially designated the PKK as a terrorist organization, according to a statement, highlighting that the group is banned in the Arab nation.
Fidan emphasized that the classification of an organization as banned or terrorist is irrelevant to how it is treated. The key factor, he noted, is its designation as an illegal organization and the corresponding approach adopted towards it.
The leading Turkish diplomat expressed optimism that the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) will choose to disband in the near future.
Fidan emphasized the widespread hope that the agreement reached between the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) and Syria’s new administration to cease activities is swiftly implemented, contributing to the restoration of stability in Syria.
