Tight security measures taken on Iraq-Syria borders to limit IS members infiltration
Soldiers guard the Jordanian borders. File photo.
Speaking to Almaalomah website, the source said, “border troops and other security services took strict measures at checkpoints on borders with Syria, west of Anbar. Three border checkpoints were set to watch Islamic State militants infiltrating into Iraq.”
The border troops, according to the source, “placed barriers that the militants cannot cross to limit the infiltration and suicide attacks.”
The source, also added, “such measures come as part of the plan drawn to foil infiltration attempts that target checkpoints.”
Thousands of IS militants as well as Iraqi civilians were killed since the government campaign, backed by paramilitary troops and the coalition, was launched in October 2016 to fight the militant group.
In December, Abadi announced full liberation of Iraqi lands, declaring end of war against IS members. However, Islamic State continues to launch sporadic attacks across Iraq against troops. Security reports indicate that the militant group still poses threat against stability in the country.
As many as 3,298 civilians were killed and 4,781 others were wounded in 2017, excluding Anbar civilian casualty figures for November and December, which are not available, UNAMI said in a report in December.
The war against IS has displaced at least five million people.