![Iraqi security forces walk on the Iraqi side of the border-crossing between Al-Qaim in Iraq and Albu Kamal in Syria, on September 30, 2019. [Photo credit should read MOADH AL-DULAIMI/AFP via Getty Images]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/GettyImages-1172519010.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Iraq’s Joint Operations Command (JOC) has denied reports of a Daesh incursion along the Iraq-Syria border, insisting that security forces maintain full control of the area.
In a statement today, the JOC dismissed claims of border clashes as “inaccurate,” stating that Iraqi security forces, backed by reserves and advanced surveillance systems, are securing the frontier.
“Our security forces, across all units and specialties, are securing and controlling the border with strength, supported by sufficient reserves and advanced technical monitoring resources,” the statement said. “The security forces found a cave in the Al-Anbar desert containing medium weapons, launchers, various munitions, and supplies,” it added.
As part of ongoing security operations, Iraqi forces recently discovered a cave in the Al-Anbar desert containing medium weapons, rocket launchers and other munitions. Meanwhile, an ambush by the army and military intelligence in Saladin province yesterday led to the killing of two Daesh militants, one of whom was wearing a suicide belt.
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The denial comes amid continued unrest in Syria, where hundreds of people have been killed in executions and clashes between security forces and supporters of the former government, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). Sectarian violence has largely affected the Alawite-minority in the western coastal areas, a former stronghold of the ousted government. Damascus has imposed curfews and deployed reinforcements in response.
Ahmed Al-Sharaa’s new administration, led by former Al-Qaeda affiliate Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), faces growing criticism from minority groups over political exclusion. Meanwhile, clashes have spread to southern Syria, with Israel threatening military action allegedly to protect Druze communities.
Earlier this month, Iraqi authorities reiterated that the 618-kilometre border with Syria remains secure despite the escalating situation across the border.
“Our border protection forces along the Syrian border are ready [for any developments] and our borders are fully protected,” Sabah Al-Numan, spokesperson for the Joint Operations Command (JOC), was quoted as saying.
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