Baghdad: Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, chaired an emergency security meeting today, Tuesday, to discuss the rapidly evolving events in Syria and the challenges facing the region.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, al-Sudani affirmed that “the international borders, especially with neighboring Syria, are fully secured, and our forces possess the high capabilities to prevent any infiltration attempts into Iraqi territory.” He added, “The terrorist groups are incapable of carrying out any attacks, whether on the borders or within cities, after suffering heavy blows at the hands of our heroic security forces.”

The Commander-in-Chief directed that any attempt to undermine security on the shared border be dealt with firmly, that monitoring of the border strip continue, and that full support be provided to the heroes stationed on the international border. This area is witnessing security stability, particularly due to the extensive fortifications the Iraqi government has been working on for years. He also directed that all the needs of the Kurdistan Region Peshmerga forces be addressed and that they be provided with full support.

The meeting also addressed the importance of stability in Syria and the need for the Arab and international communities to work towards finding swift solutions to guarantee the security of this country and to stop all forms of fighting and violence within Syrian territory. Emphasis was also placed on the Syrian authorities tightening control over prisons and preventing the escape of terrorist or criminal elements.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, military and security leaders, the Kurdistan Region’s representation in Baghdad, and the Chief of Staff of the Kurdistan Region Peshmerga.