Iraqi Intelligence Leader Engages in Discussions on Border Security in Syria
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Damascus/Baghdad, Dec 26 (NationPress) The interim authorities of Syria convened with visiting Iraqi intelligence leader Hamid al-Shatri on Thursday, as detailed in an official statement by Syrian state media.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the head of Syria's de facto governing body and commander of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, along with Syria's interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and the newly appointed intelligence chief Anas Khattab, participated in the meeting with an Iraqi delegation led by al-Shatri.
Syria's media did not provide additional information regarding the agenda or outcomes of the meeting, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
In contrast, the official Iraqi News Agency, through Iraqi government spokesman Basim al-Awadi, noted that al-Shatri engaged in discussions with the new Syrian leadership about the current situation in Syria and the essential steps to ensure security and stability along their mutual borders.
Recently, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to support Syria in managing its affairs without interference that undermines its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
On December 18, Syria's interim authorities announced that soldiers and officers from the previous government who fled to Iraq are now permitted to return home without fear of reprisals.
In a statement, the interim authorities assured that military personnel who escaped to neighboring Iraq during the last phases of the previous government's collapse would not face any harassment or punishment upon their return.
Shortly after, Iraqi authorities disclosed that they had commenced the return of Syrian soldiers who had crossed into Iraq earlier this month before the fall of the former Syrian government.
Iraqi Interior Ministry Spokesman Muqdad Miri stated briefly that the Syrian soldiers had been returned to their homeland through the Qaim border crossing in the western Iraqi province of Anbar, following coordination with Syria's interim authorities.
As of December 7, over 1,000 Syrian army personnel had entered Iraq via the Qaim border crossing, according to the Iraqi News Agency. The Iraqi side had clarified that their presence was temporary until arrangements for their return to Syria were finalized.
