Syria’s Foreign Minister Visits Iraq to Strengthen Security Cooperation

Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Iraq to strengthen cooperation against the Islamic State. His visit coincided with the Iraqi Prime Minister announcing the death of a senior IS leader. Discussions focused on shared security responsibilities and the need for accountability regarding mass killings of the Alawite minority in Syria, reflecting complex relations between the neighboring countries.

Baghdad recently hosted Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, who expressed his government’s willingness to enhance cooperation with Iraq against remnants of the Islamic State group. This visit coincided with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announcing the death of a senior IS leader, highlighting a moment of engagement between the two nations following a complex political landscape since the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Al-Shaibani’s trip marks his first to Iraq since the fall of Assad, previously a close ally of Baghdad. Relations have since evolved, particularly as Iraq, a Shiite-majority nation, maintains a strategic partnership with the United States, while also aligning with Iran, a historic supporter of Assad. The Syrian opposition consists predominantly of Sunni Muslims, in contrast to Iraq’s leadership, emphasizing the delicate balance in their relations.

During his time in Baghdad, Shaibani met with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, emphasizing that “Security is a shared responsibility.” He reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to reinforce cooperation against the Islamic State, stating, “Terrorism knows no borders,” which underscores the necessity of a united front in addressing security threats.

Prime Minister al-Sudani announced the elimination of IS leader Abdullah Makki Muslih al-Rufayi, recognized as a significant threat and previously subject to U.S. sanctions. The precise timing of Rufayi’s death remains undisclosed, yet the operation showcased collaboration between Iraqi intelligence and the U.S.-led coalition.

Foreign Minister Hussein stressed the importance of tangible outcomes from Syria’s inquiries into reported mass killings of the Alawite community by security forces and allied groups. Baghdad condemned the recent massacre of at least 1,383 civilians, primarily Alawites, in Syria, and expressed hopes for accountability and civil peace through an investigation by Damascus.

Furthermore, Iraqi authorities are probing an attack targeting Syrian workers following a claim from a newly formed group to retaliate for the mass killings. Iraqi security forces have detained at least 13 Syrians accused of supporting terrorist factions and the violence in Syria, emphasizing ongoing tensions. Syria’s foreign ministry responded by urging Baghdad to ensure the safety of Syrians residing in Iraq.

The visit by Syria’s interim Foreign Minister underscores a crucial step towards reinforcing security cooperation with Iraq in countering remaining threats from the Islamic State. Despite the complexities surrounding their political relationship due to past allegiances and sectarian divides, the leaders expressed a commitment to shared security responsibilities. The ongoing investigations into civilian casualties, particularly among the Alawite community, reflect the pressing need for accountability and peace-building efforts in a fraught regional context.

Original Source: www.france24.com