Iraqi forces arrest Syrians accused of trying to sneak across border

Iraqi security forces prevented a group of people from illegally entering Iraq via Syria, an Iraqi military organization announced today.

The Security Media Cell said that 15 “infiltrators” had been headed from Syria toward the Iraqi border near the Rabia crossing in the Nineveh province. The Iraqi military used thermal cameras to detect their movements and arrested them. The alleged intruders were all Syrian citizens. Iraqi forces later returned them to Syria, according to a statement from the cell.

The cell, which is an official communications body in the Iraqi military, did not provide further details.

The Syrian border is a priority for Iraq’s security. Iraqi forces have fortified much of the border with trenches, observation posts and soldiers. Iraq works with Syria in this regard and is particularly concerned about infiltration from the Islamic State. The Iraqi air force has also carried out airstrikes against IS in Syria.

IS attacks remain a threat in Iraq. Last month, IS attacked a prominent tribe in the northern Diyala region.

The Security Media Cell also announced today that tunnels used by IS had been discovered.