Reports from Iraqi or Syrian government officials or international news agencies

2,000 Syrian Soldiers with Full Equipment Cross into Iraq at Al-Qaim, Surrender to Iraqi Army

Dec 7, 2024, 02:48 PM

Approximately 2,000 Syrian soldiers, including civilian employees, have crossed into Iraq through the Al-Qaim border crossing, according to Iraqi government officials. The soldiers, reportedly from the Syrian Arab Army and Republican Guard, entered Iraqi territory on Saturday with their full equipment and surrendered to the Iraqi army. Iraqi government spokesman confirmed that the soldiers are now guests of the Iraqi forces, and some wounded soldiers are receiving treatment. The troops withdrew from positions in Al-Bukamal and Al-Mayadin in Syria amid reports of ongoing conflicts and militia takeovers in southern Syria. This mass movement marks a significant development in the Syrian conflict, as regime forces seek refuge in neighboring Iraq.