Iraq Raises Concerns Over Potential ISIS Threat from Syria Following US Troop Withdrawal

<p>Iraq is preparing for the possibility that Islamic State fighters could cross the border from Syria, according to Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, who spoke on Thursday. This statement follows the formal end of the U.S. military's counter-ISIS mission in Iraq.</p><p>Hussein informed reporters in Washington, D.C. that Baghdad is monitoring recent ISIS activities in Syria and cautioned that fighters entering Iraq could threaten the country's security. "We are worried about ISIS activities inside Syria," he stated, adding that Iraqi forces are preparing to confront any potential movements toward the border. He emphasized that Iraq believes its military can manage the threat without the extensive presence of the U.S.-led coalition that previously helped defeat ISIS's self-declared caliphate.</p><p>"If they would be capable to cross the border, that would be once again a threat to our security," Hussein said. "We are preparing ourselves – if there will be any movement from inside Iraq — to fight them and to defeat them." This warning was issued shortly after the final U.S. forces departed under Operation Inherent Resolve on Wednesday.</p><p>Hussein's remarks came four days after Syrian authorities reported dismantling an ISIS cell operating across four provinces, arresting four leaders and seizing explosives intended for attacks. The cell was involved in kidnappings and assassinations, according to Syrian security forces.</p><p>U.S. officials have assessed that ISIS has been significantly weakened and no longer poses a systemic threat to Iraq; however, the group still maintains scattered cells in both Iraq and Syria. The Pentagon has stated that Iraqi forces are capable of managing the remaining threat independently, while U.S. forces continue operations in Syria to prevent ISIS from regrouping.</p><p>The withdrawal of U.S. troops marks the conclusion of a military mission in Iraq that has evolved over more than two decades, significantly impacting American foreign policy. The 2003 invasion led to the ousting of Saddam Hussein but also resulted in years of insurgency and sectarian violence, with nearly 4,500 U.S. service members killed before the 2011 withdrawal.</p><p>U.S. troops returned in 2014 as ISIS advanced across large areas of Iraq and Syria, capturing Mosul and declaring a caliphate. Operation Inherent Resolve was launched to assist Iraqi forces in reclaiming territory from ISIS.</p><p>Following the withdrawal, Iraq plans to establish a bilateral security relationship with the U.S., although discussions on the specifics have not yet commenced. Hussein noted that while the principles of a future security relationship were discussed during the coalition's departure negotiations, details regarding training, intelligence sharing, and military cooperation still need to be determined.</p><p>Additionally, Iraq is working to bring Iran-backed militia groups operating outside regular security forces under government control, which has been a source of tension between Iraq and the U.S. Iraq initially set a September 30 deadline for armed groups to disarm or come under state authority, but this has been extended to June 2027 due to resistance from some factions.</p><p>Hussein mentioned that one group had publicly supported the government's plan, with another expected to follow soon, while negotiations with other factions continue. "A single group will not be allowed to take the decision in their hands and attack other countries," he stated.</p><p>This issue has gained urgency as Iraq seeks to manage the repercussions of the conflict between the U.S. and Iran. Hussein confirmed that a recent attack on Saudi Arabia originated from Iraqi territory near the Iranian border, prompting an investigation by Baghdad and discussions with both Riyadh and Tehran.</p><p>Hussein has been in contact with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan regarding the attack and plans to visit Riyadh for further discussions. The investigation is ongoing. He characterized Iraq as being caught in the middle of the U.S.-Iran conflict, noting that Iraqi territory has been targeted by both sides. "We became a victim of this war," he said.</p><p>Hussein added that Iraq has urged both Washington and Tehran to resolve their conflict through negotiations, aiming to prevent Iraq from becoming further embroiled in the fighting.</p>