Iraq stresses need for Coalition forces in Syria to counter ISIS
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet al-Abbasi stated on Friday that the presence of the U.S.-led Global Coalition forces in Syria remains necessary to combat the ongoing threat posed by the Islamic State (ISIS).
In an interview with the Saudi state-owned Al Arabiya/AlHadath news channel, al-Abbasi emphasized that Iraq’s security is deeply intertwined with Syria’s, particularly given the persistent danger posed by ISIS remnants.
Marking the eleventh anniversary of ISIS’s takeover of Nineveh Governorate, he said that the presence of U.S. forces in Syria is still essential, as ISIS remnants continue to pose a threat.
Al-Abbasi pointed to the Hawl Camp in northeastern Syria, which houses the families of ISIS members, as a continued source of concern for Iraq. He revealed that the Iraqi government had requested Damascus—through Turkey—to close the camp.
The core issue with Hawl Camp lies in the foreign nationals, particularly from European countries, who have refused to repatriate their citizens, he said.
Touching on internal Syrian matters, al-Abbasi noted that talks between the Syrian transitional government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) regarding their potential integration into the national defense ministry remain stalled. He reaffirmed Iraq’s support for the continuation of Operation Inherent Resolve, describing it as vital in the fight against ISIS.
Al-Abbasi also confirmed that coordination with the Global Coalition is ongoing. He stated that Baghdad has not received any official notification regarding a revised withdrawal timeline for Coalition forces in Iraq. However, some military sites are expected to be vacated by the end of September and transferred to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
He concluded by saying that Iraq has received no signals from the U.S. indicating any changes in policy or requests to increase the American military presence in Iraq.