Baghdad – Saba:
Iraqi parliament member Mohammed al-Baldawi confirmed on Saturday that Iraqi security forces are on high alert, anticipating any security developments that may result from the ongoing chaos on the Syrian side.
Al-Maalouma News Agency quoted al-Baldawi as saying: "The Iraqi-Syrian border is witnessing close and continuous monitoring by military and intelligence forces, in anticipation of any infiltration or attempts to target Iraqi internal security." He noted that "the ongoing transformations in those areas could negatively impact the stability of the border area."
He explained that "Iraqi forces, especially the Popular Mobilization Forces, are imposing a tight security cordon along the border strip, in coordination with the Joint Operations Command, to ensure the prevention of any security breach." He emphasized that "the Iraqi security leadership is dealing responsibly with threats and working to thwart any hostile activity before it occurs."
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the areas of Deir ez-Zor and Hasakah in northeastern Syria have witnessed a dangerous security escalation with renewed activity by ISIS cells. ISIS has carried out more than 70 attacks since the beginning of April, directly targeting civilians, resulting in deaths and injuries.
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