Paramilitary troops intensify efforts to secure borders with Syria ahead of elections
Iraqi forces deployed at the main border post between Iraq and Syria
A statement issued on the website of al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces) said “troops of the first brigade started patrols to secure the border regions between Iraq and Syria, ahead of parliamentary elections.”
The troops, according to the statement, “are totally ready to confront dangers that could target Iraq.”
The election is considered the first since victory was declared against Islamic State last year. It’s also the second since U.S. troops withdrawal from Iraq in 2011. Moreover, it’s the fourth time to hold elections since former president Saddam Hussein was toppled in 2003.
Nearly 7,000 candidates are running for 329 seats in elections.
On Wednesday, the troops announced being on high alert ahead of the elections.
The Iraqi parliamentary elections is scheduled to take place on May 12. The elections were originally scheduled for September 2017, but were delayed due to the country’s fight against Islamic State.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi announced, in December, full liberation of Iraqi lands, declaring end of war against IS members.
Islamic State continues to launch sporadic attacks across Iraq against security troops. Security reports indicate that the militant group still poses threat against stability in the country.