Iraq, Syria discuss opening border exit between two countries

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) Iraqi Prime Minister has discussed along with Syrian foreign minister coordination on efforts to open the border exit between the two countries.

A statement by the media office of PM Haidar al-Abadi said the two officials, discussed boosting security cooperation between the two countries.” This came after Abadi receiver Syrian Minister Mohamed al-Sha’ar.

“Coordination on efforts to open Qaim border between the two countries has been discussed,” it added.

Sha’ar arrived in Baghdad on Tuesday within an official visit, during which he met with several Iraqi officials.

On Tuesday, the pro-government al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces) repelled an attack by IS members against Tal Sufuk border region.

Last month, the Iraqi Media News Agency quoted Farhan Mohamed al-Duleimi, member of the Anbar provincial council as saying that intelligence information from Syria confirmed presence of IS members near al-BuKamal region in Syria to launch attacks against Qaim, located near Iraqi-Syrian borders, and that they prepared for suicide attacks to target military units deployed on borders between Iraq and Syria.

In December, Abadi announced full liberation of Iraqi lands, declaring end of war against IS members.

Thousands of IS militants as well as Iraqi civilians were killed since the government campaign, backed by paramilitary troops and the coalition, was launched in October 2016 to fight the militant group.