Iraq to Return Fleeing Syrian Soldiers

Iraq is set to return Syrian soldiers who fled to its territory during the final days of Bashar al-Assad's regime, according to Lieutenant General Qais al-Muhammadi, Deputy Commander of Iraq’s Joint Operations.

Speaking to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), al-Muhammadi assured that Iraq’s borders are "fully fortified and secure," emphasizing tight control over entry points with Syria.

Reports suggest that Iraq is maintaining media silence around the camp housing the Syrian soldiers, raising speculation about the presence of high-ranking military and security officials linked to the former Syrian regime.

Local sources have hinted that these soldiers may have fled alongside prominent commanders who later moved to Iran via Iraq.

Videos have surfaced showing dozens of Syrian soldiers protesting within Iraqi territory, calling on authorities to facilitate their return to Syria. Despite these appeals, Iraqi officials have yet to comment on the reasons preventing their repatriation.

During the collapse of Assad’s forces, Iraqi authorities allowed hundreds of fleeing Syrian soldiers to cross the border through the Al-Qaim crossing. An Iraqi security official confirmed that approximately 2,000 Syrian soldiers, including officers, were granted entry as part of an agreement between Iraq and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

The decision was reportedly approved by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.