Paramilitary troops foil Islamic State infiltration attempt from Syria into Iraq
Members of al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces). File photo.
In remarks on Tuesday, Qassem Musleh, commander of al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces) for western Anbar axis, said troops “carried out missile strikes against Islamic State members who attempted infiltration and approaching the Iraqi-Syrian borders.”
The attempt of tens of militants, according to Musleh, was foiled.
PMFs, in collaboration with army troops and border guards “thwarted many infiltration attempts toward Iraq-Syrian borders, as the militants are pressured in al-Bagouz region, where military operations are carried out by the Syrian Democratic Forces.”
Last week, the Iraqi security troops reportedly made military reinforcements along the borders with Syria.
The Iraqi-Syrian borders are under the control of joint troops of military and border guards.
Iraqi warplanes launched, last month, a new wave of air raids against outposts of the Islamic State group in Syria.
In April, Abadi denied intentions to intervene within Syrian affairs, saying airstrikes against Islamic State will continue.
Iraq had previously announced launching airstrikes against IS locations in Syria. This came after Abadi said security troops will follow IS militants in the whole region, not only in Iraq.