Iraq sends extra troops to boost security along Syria borders

ANBAR/IraqiNews.com: Iraq sent extra army and police forces to boost security along its border with Syria after Damascus reduced its troops, Anbar police chief said on Sunday.   “Three battalions of army and police, from western Anbar province, were sent to secure the Iraqi-Syrian borders and to stem the flow of foreign fighters into Iraq,” Maj. Gen. Tariq al-Asal, Anbar police chief, told IraqiNews.com.   The security forces are expected to be deployed around Iraq’s border town of al-Qaim, a known transit point for foreign fighters entering the country from Syria. Al-Qaim is close to al-Sukkariya, where last Sunday’s attack took place.   Syria decided to reduce its military presence along its borders with Iraq in a response to the U.S. attack. Syrian official statements said four U.S. helicopters struck the border village of al-Bu Kamal, killing eight people. Washington has refused to confirm the raid, which Iraq said targeted staging grounds used by militants infiltrating its borders. AM(S) 1