Syrian military muscle flexed at Iraq border
Shafaq News/ Syria has deployed military reinforcements to the eastern city of al-Bukamal near the Iraqi border, Syrian state media reported on Friday.
A convoy from the Ministry of Defense arrived in al-Bukamal, near the al-Qaim crossing with Iraq, as part of efforts to 'tighten border control and combat smuggling,' according to Syrian outlets.
Earlier, Mazen Alloush, Director of Public Relations at Syria's General Authority for Maritime and Land Ports, told Shafaq News that the Syrian Foreign Ministry reached an agreement with its Iraqi counterpart to resume trade activities through the crossing.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Iraqi News
an hour ago
- Iraqi News
Iran's possible closure of Strait of Hormuz to affect Iraqi oil exports
Baghdad ( – Iraq will need to find alternatives to continue its seaborne oil shipments if Iran decides to close the Strait of Hormuz because of the recent developments in its war with Israel, which recently involved a US strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran has vowed to shut a vital oil shipping channel in retribution for the deadly strikes carried out by the United States on three of its nuclear facilities, a decision that could have a significant impact on the world economy. The Iranian parliament decided on Sunday to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane responsible for transporting 20 percent of the world's oil and gas, in response to the US military operation known as 'Midnight Hammer.' According to Iranian media, the parliament's decision is not binding, and the ultimate decision must be made by senior Iranian security authorities. If Iran refused access to big tankers that transport oil and gas to major countries in Asia and Europe, oil prices would skyrocket, potentially destabilizing the world's economy. The Iraqi Minister of Oil, Hayan Abdul-Ghani, confirmed that Iraq's oil production and exports have not been affected. Iraq relies mostly on the Strait of Hormuz to transit the majority of its oil exports. Any disruption to this route might have major consequences for both Iraq's economy and the global energy market.
Iraqi News
an hour ago
- Iraqi News
Al-Sudani and Putin discuss regional tensions
Baghdad ( – Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone to address rising regional tensions, including the intensifying conflict in Gaza and recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Al-Sudani voiced strong opposition to what he described as a reckless escalation stemming from the U.S. bombing campaign, which he said builds on Israel's ongoing aggression against Iran. Furthermore, Al-Sudani condemned the repeated violation of Iraq's airspace by American and Israeli warplanes, warning that such actions undermine Iraq's sovereignty and could drag the country into a wider conflict. The Iraqi premier emphasized the urgent need for diplomatic engagement and called on the UN Security Council to shoulder its responsibilities in preventing further escalation. On Gaza, Al-Sudani expressed deep concern over the mounting civilian toll, describing the situation as a humanitarian catastrophe. President Putin, in response, shared his concern over the rising instability and affirmed Russia's interest in promoting dialogue and avoiding a broader war. Both leaders agreed to maintain communication as regional developments continue to unfold.
Iraqi News
an hour ago
- Iraqi News
Syria president vows those involved in church attack will face justice
Damascus – Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa vowed Monday that those involved in a 'heinous' suicide attack on a Damascus church a day earlier would face justice, calling for unity in the country. The shooting and suicide bombing Sunday at the church in the working-class Dwelaa district of the Syrian capital killed 25 people and wounded 63, the health ministry said, raising an earlier toll of 22 killed. The authorities said the attacker was affiliated with the Islamic State group. 'We promise… that we will work night and day, mobilising all our specialised security agencies, to capture all those who participated in and planned this heinous crime and to bring them to justice,' Sharaa said in a statement. The attack 'reminds us of the importance of solidarity and unity of the government and the people in facing all that threatens our nation's security and stability', he added. Condemnation has continued to pour in from the international community after the attack — the first of its kind in the Syrian capital since Islamist-led forces toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December. It was also the first inside a church in Syria since the country's civil war erupted in 2011, according to a monitor, in a country where security remains one of the new authorities' greatest challenges. Since the new authorities took power, the international community has repeatedly urged the government to protect minorities and ensure their participation in Syria's transition, particularly after sectarian violence in recent months.
