Syria raid nets smuggling ring near Iraq border
Shafaq News/ Syrian security forces have arrested several suspected drug and weapons smugglers with alleged ties to Iranian-backed armed groups during a raid near the Iraqi border, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) stated on Friday.
According to SOHR, General Security units sealed off the town of Al-Hari, near Al-Bukamal in eastern Deir Ezzor province, seizing large quantities of Captagon pills, firearms, and detonators.
Additionally, Syrian forces have since reinforced their presence in the area by deploying additional border posts and patrol units.
Stretching approximately 610 kilometers—300 kilometers in Nineveh province and 320 kilometers in Al-Anbar— the Syrian-Iraqi border is notoriously porous and difficult to monitor. Its rural and remote terrain makes it a favored route for drug and arms smugglers, as well as for militants seeking to infiltrate Iraqi territory. The border has long served as a corridor for trafficking operations involving narcotics, weapons, fighters, and other illicit goods, posing an ongoing security challenge to both Damascus and Baghdad.
In response to these threats, Iraqi forces and the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) have intensified efforts to secure the frontier. Recent operations have included the deployment of additional PMF units, including brigades 30 and 17, along key border stretches. These units have been equipped with medium and heavy weaponry, along with thermal cameras for enhanced surveillance.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
28 minutes ago
- Shafaq News
Iraq acquires French Caracal helicopters
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, Iraq's Ministry of Defense confirmed the arrival of the first batch of French-made Caracal helicopters, part of a broader agreement with France to enhance the country's military aviation capabilities. In a statement, the Ministry reported that two helicopters had been delivered, with additional units expected to arrive later this year and throughout 2026. The Caracal, manufactured by Airbus Helicopters, ranks among the most advanced utility helicopters in service. Its introduction to the Iraqi Army Aviation fleet is intended to improve operational its readiness by offering versatility for combat, transport, and rescue missions across a variety of weather conditions and terrains. This acquisition reflects Iraq's ongoing efforts to ''modernise its defence infrastructure and expand military partnerships,'' the statement added.
Shafaq News
28 minutes ago
- Shafaq News
US urges Baghdad, Erbil to settle salary crisis
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, the US State Department urged both Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional governments to resolve their salary dispute through constructive and consistent dialogue, warning that the prolonged crisis could damage Iraq's investment environment. At a press briefing in Washington, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the United States is closely following the situation in the Kurdistan Region, stressing that resolving the dispute in line with constitutional responsibilities would send a clear signal that Iraq is committed to creating conditions favorable to investment, including from American companies. Bruce also indicated that meaningful progress on the issue could help facilitate broader cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil, including the reopening of the Iraq–Turkiye oil pipeline and the expansion of energy exploration activities. Her remarks came as tensions between the Federal and Regional governments have escalated over the release of public sector salaries. Federal authorities have linked disbursements to the KRG's full transfer of oil exports to the state-owned SOMO company and increased oversight of non-oil revenues. The KRG has pushed back, arguing that the conditions are excessive and deviate from earlier understandings. The deadlock has resulted in delayed salary payments for hundreds of thousands of public employees in the Kurdistan Region. As a temporary measure, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani later authorized the payment of May salaries through a federal loan, pending a permanent resolution.
Shafaq News
2 hours ago
- Shafaq News
PM Barzani warns of "serious repercussions" over delayed salaries
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani warned that the continued halt in salary payments to public employees in the Region could have serious repercussions, characterizing Baghdad's move as 'unjust and unconstitutional.' Speaking at the inauguration of the 'Visit Kurdistan' foundation, Barzani linked the suspension of salaries to broader efforts aimed at placing pressure on the Region, hindering its reconstruction and development. He also emphasized that the KRG had met its constitutional responsibilities — and exceeded them — stressing that he expected reciprocal commitments from Baghdad to protect the rights of the Kurdistan Region's citizens. Instead, he pointed to what he described as a ''disregard for constitutional provisions'' and previously concluded agreements. His comments came amid heightened friction between Erbil and Baghdad over the release of public sector salaries. Federal authorities have linked disbursements to the Kurdistan Region's full transfer of oil exports to the state-run SOMO company, along with increased oversight of non-oil revenues. The KRG has pushed back, viewing the conditions as excessive and inconsistent with earlier understandings. The deadlock has resulted in delayed salary payments for hundreds of thousands of public employees in the Region. As a temporary measure, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani later authorized the payment of May's salaries through a federal loan, pending further resolution.
