The Fate of Syrian Officers in Iraq Depends on Agreements with Syria

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Baghdad confirms that there are no reservations or conditions for accepting engagement with the new Syrian leadership under Ahmad Al-Sharaa.

The fate of Syrian officers who crossed into Iraq remains uncertain, with conflicting reports regarding their status. Sources indicate that Baghdad is waiting for the formation of the new Syrian government to make a decision, following upcoming negotiations between the two countries due to numerous shared issues requiring coordination.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein stated that Baghdad has no reservations or conditions for dealing with the new Syrian leadership led by Ahmad Al-Sharaa.

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In an interview with France 24 on Friday, Hussein revealed that he had extended an official invitation to Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani to visit Baghdad, confirming that he will be in the Iraqi capital very soon. He also announced that Iraq’s May summit will include invitations to all Arab leaders, including the Syrian interim president, Ahmad Al-Sharaa.

Amid speculation over reports that the Iraqi government had granted “temporary humanitarian residency” to dozens of Syrian military officers and leaders who sought refuge in Iraq on December 7 and 8, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior issued a denial statement on Tuesday.

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Spokesperson General Miqdad Miri stated:

“Certain social media platforms have reported that Iraqi authorities have granted temporary humanitarian residency to dozens of officers and commanders from the former Syrian army who fled to Iraq last December.”

“We categorically deny these claims and emphasize the importance of relying on official sources for information while avoiding misleading rumors.”

The local Shafaq News Agency, citing informed sources, reported that:

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“A group of Syrian officers and military personnel who crossed the Syrian-Iraqi border during the fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime have chosen to remain in border shelters, awaiting the formation of the new government in Damascus.”

As of now, more than 200 officers and soldiers remain in Rutba, Al-Anbar province, under strict security measures.

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The Iraqi government is monitoring their situation daily, and their fate depends on upcoming Syrian-Iraqi negotiations.

With Ahmad Al-Sharaa assuming Syria’s interim presidency, officials anticipate an official procedure for repatriation, alongside discussions regarding those who refuse to return. Some of the detained officers are believed to be part of the al-Assad family.

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