On December 1, 2024, the Department of Political Affairs (DPA) in the Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS)-linked Syrian Salvation Government (SSG) issued a statement addressing the Iraqi government and people, reaffirming the historic ties between the two countries, and emphasizing their common values of freedom, dignity, and cooperation.[1]
The statement comes in response to an emergency meeting of the National Security Council, held on the same day, chaired by the Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, to discuss the on-going escalations in Syria, and their repercussions on Iraq.
"Syrians And Iraqis Share A Common Destiny"
The statement began by complimenting the "robust" brotherly and friendly relationship between the Syrian and Iraqi people, "a relationship which extends throughout history," the release highlighted.
The statement continued: "We have always been brought together by brotherhood and a common destiny. We, in free Syria, fully believe that our common interests require continuous cooperation and understanding between our two countries."
"Syria Will Not Endanger The Region's Stability"
Ensuring the safety and stability of their neighboring country, the SSG's statement emphasized that the Syrian "revolution" seeks liberation from the "unjust Al-Assad regime," and therefore, would not endanger Iraq's or the region's stability.
"The Syrian revolution was launched to bring back freedom and dignity and seeks to liberate the Syrian people from the tyranny of Al-Assad regime. It poses no threat to Iraq's security or stability, nor to any other country in the region."
"Syria Will Not Be A Source Of Concern"
The statement further stressed that post-Assad Syria would pursue a partnership with Iraq to promote regional peace and mutual interests, calling for a strengthened partnership to ensure stability and achieve joint objectives for the benefit of both nations.
It elaborated, "Syria will not be a source of concern or tension in the region. We are committed to developing and strengthening brotherly collaborations with Iraq to ensure stability in the region and to realize the common interests of our people's sake."
Iraq's Popular Mobilization Unit: "Our Forces Did Not Enter Syria"
In a post on December 2, the Iraqi militia-affiliated Tawthiat Al-Shia Telegram channel shared excerpts from televised interviews among the chairman of the Popular Mobilization Unit (PMU), Faleh Al-Fayyadh, and regional media outlets. In the interviews, he refuted reports indicating that PMU's operatives have entered Syria.
He asserted: "The Popular Mobilization Forces do not operate outside Iraq, and its forces have not entered Syria. What is happening in Syria will affect Iraq's national security." [2]
