Iraq Bolsters Border Security Measures Along Syrian Frontier

Iraq actually ramped up its attempts to boost security across its 615 kilometers-long western and northern borders with Syria, including taking comprehensive action to prevent infiltrations from militant elements and illegal smuggling activities.

Major General Tahsin al-Khafaji, spokesperson for the Joint Operations Command in Iraq, said yesterday that a lot of progress has been made on the construction of border fortifications, and 400 kilometers are already complete in concrete barrier. He highlighted the multi-layered approach that entails this strategic sensitive frontier, to the Iraq News Agency (INA).

“As for the borders with Syria, those remain our biggest concern,” said al-Khafaji. “We are implementing an integrated system of physical barriers, surveillance technology and human intelligence in order to respond to ulterior security dangers in these specific regions.”

The border security initiative was launched in 2018, covering several paragraphs with all defensive measures such as three-meter-deep trenches, placing barbed wires in strategic positions and the network of observation towers. Border guard units are on the frontline, detecting every inch of the border, supported by forces of the Iraqi army from even secondary positions.

Special emphasis is being placed to the historically at-risk areas near the Anbar and Ninawa provinces. These regions have for long been the common entry points for cross border’ illegitimate activities such as militant movements and smuggling. The increased measures of protection are to be applied to the Fishkhabour crossing to the region of Gilbarat, as well as the towns of Rabia and Sinjar in Ninawa province over the border from Syria’s Al-Hasakah Governorate.

‘Their strategy is based on the use of physical barriers and enhanced surveillance measures.” ‘Al-Khafaji added. Security intelligence works at its best in preventing what may turn to be threats in the future as well as in assessing emerging problems at the border.

The construction of the barrier is an essential part of the overall national security policy of Iraq to counter the threat of ISIS returning to mount uprises through the dormant cells and stop the growth of well-organized crime syndicates. Although officially ISIS was declared defeated in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria in 2019, security officials still anticipate the danger from possible sleeping cells in both countries.

Security personnel know that it is a tough task to protect a border that long especially due to the geographical features and past migration activities. The border between Iraq and Syria has been porous and has been eyed by different armed groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS, and smuggling cartels.

The Iraqi authorities have a goal to finish the remaining construction of the border installations before the end of the year. This project is directly related to cooperation between the Ministries of Defense and Interior, as well as the Joint Operations Command, especially regarding threats to security in the most territorially challenging border areas.

The effectiveness of these improved security measures could have large repercussions on stability in the area and the fight of Iraq to preserve stability inside itself. As the construction of the rest of the border walls proceeds, Iraq continues to pledge it will adjust its security measures in responses to the new threats along this vital borderline.