ISIS enters Iraq from Syria, Sinjar problem is not security: Iraqi Army
ERBIL, Iraq (North Press) – The Islamic State Organization (ISIS) is still moving from Syria to Iraq, the Joint Iraqi Operations Command said on Tuesday, pointing out that Sinjar (Shengal) problem is not security, but rather service.
“The relationship between the Joint Iraqi Operations and the Global Coalition is based on cooperation and joint action, because the Coalition’s presence is at the invitation of the Iraqi government for arming and training,” Joint Iraqi Operations spokesman General Hassan al-Khafaji told the official Iraqi News Agency (INA).
“The Coalition is still fighting ISIS, which represents a threat to societal peace, and there is still a lot of work to be done against ISIS sleeper cells,” he added.
Al-Khafaji stressed that, in recent months, ISIS has activated in the regions of northeast Syria, across the border.”
He pointed out that there were some security gaps at the borders, “however, the Iraqi forces solved them by digging a tunnel of 3 meters deep and 3 meters wide and a dirt barrier.”
Over a period of stages, he indicated that the Global Coalition provided Iraq with barbed wires, towers and surveillance cameras, hoping that “the issue of the Iraqi-Syrian border end and all gaps close.”
Targeting diplomatic missions, vital targets and Iraq’s airports “harms Iraq’s relationship with the countries of the world,” according to al-Khafaji.
“There is continuous coordination and joint work with the Peshmerga forces, and coordination centers have been opened in Baghdad and Erbil.”
Al-Khafaji added that the plans to pursue ISIS had been changed after the intensification of the intelligence and security effort, “ISIS is still a great threat to us.”
Al-Khafaji touched on Sinjar situation saying: “The security forces stabilized security in the district, spread troops, and prevented the armed presence inside the district.”
“We are determined that the Sinjar agreement succeeds and be implemented,” referring to the agreement concluded between Baghdad and Erbil on October 9, 2020.
“The security forces have removed all war remnants and they exist in the whole region. The problem of Sinjar is in the absence of service departments such as health, trade and justice.”