Iraq launches probe into weapons shipment seized in Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Iraq’s Joint Operations Command announced on Thursday the formation of a high-level committee to investigate a shipment of weapons and missiles seized by Syrian authorities after it allegedly crossed into Syria from Iraqi territory.
Earlier in the day, Syria’s Ministry of Interior said it had thwarted an attempt to smuggle a large shipment of advanced weapons across the Syrian-Iraqi border, adding that the cargo was intercepted before entering Syrian territory.
In a statement, the Iraqi command said the committee was established under the directives of the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces and includes representatives from relevant authorities and specialists to determine the full circumstances of the incident.
“The committee will examine all details related to the weapons shipment,” the statement said.
It added that Iraqi authorities are coordinating with the Syrian side to establish the facts surrounding the case and identify those responsible.
“The ongoing coordination aims to preserve the security and stability of the shared border and prevent any attempts to undermine national security,” the statement added.
The Iraqi announcement came after Syria’s Ministry of Interior said the seized shipment had been destined for Lebanon’s Hezbollah, without providing further details about the quantity or type of the weapons.