Iraqi military monitors border with Syria

Iraq had placed a strong focus on border security as military clashes intensified in northeastern Syria between Syrian government forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces on Friday. Key locations of concern include Al-Qatan prison north of Raqa and al-Hol camp near Hasakah, the provincial capital along the Iraqi border.

Iraqi Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari assured that Iraq’s borders with Syria are fully secured, adding that any attempt to approach the frontier would be met with force. Iraq’s steps to strengthen border defenses, monitor movements and coordinate with military aviation are seen as critical to preventing instability spilling into Iraqi territory.