On 7 and 8 December, hundreds of Syrian military personnel crossed into Iraq from the Al-Bukamal border area after surrendering their weapons. [Getty]
A total of 90 officers from the deposed Syrian regime’s army are currently in Baghdad under the supervision of Iraqi security forces, refusing to return to Syria, Iraqi officials told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, The New Arab‘s Arabic-language sister publication.
The officers, holding varying ranks, are part of a group of Syrian military personnel who fled to Iraq following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime last month. On 7 and 8 December, hundreds of Syrian military personnel crossed into Iraq from the Al-Bukamal border area after surrendering their weapons. The Iraqi Ministry of Defence stated that these individuals were granted entry on humanitarian grounds and were housed in a temporary camp in the border town of Al-Qaim in western Anbar province.
According to Iraqi security officials speaking to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed‘s reporter Mohamed Ali in Baghdad, 2,493 Syrian military personnel entered Iraq during the initial exodus. Of these, over 2,000 voluntarily returned to Syria since 19 December via the Al-Qaim border crossing. However, 90 officers opted to remain in Baghdad, citing personal security concerns. They are reportedly seeking assurances from the new Syrian transitional administration to ensure their safety before considering a return.
An Iraqi official revealed that many of these officers were part of the Assad regime’s military and intelligence apparatus. Some hope to relocate to third countries, while others wish to reunite with their families still in Syria.
In comments to the Baghdad Today, Yasser Askandar, a member of Iraq’s parliamentary Security and Defence Committee, confirmed the presence of these officers in Iraq. He noted they were not high-ranking officials, but mid-level officers from military units previously stationed along the Syrian border. Askandar emphasised that Iraq’s priority remains securing its borders and preventing extremist group activities, adding that the officers’ situation will not strain relations between Baghdad and Damascus.
Meanwhile, Iraqi authorities have started coordinating with third countries to facilitate the relocation of some of the officers. Officials have stressed that the officers will not be forcibly repatriated and that their situation will be resolved through humanitarian measures.
Currently, the matter is overseen by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and a decision on whether these officers return to Syria, remain in Iraq, or relocate elsewhere is expected in the coming weeks.
