Damascus, Nov. 8 (SANA) Syria and Iraq are stepping up security cooperation along their shared border, with officials and analysts saying closer coordination against terrorism and smuggling could pave the way for expanded trade, energy and transport links between the two countries.
The two neighbors share a border stretching more than 600 kilometers (373 miles), where security concerns include the threat posed by ISIS, cross-border smuggling and the movement of armed groups.
Security cooperation was a central topic during talks between President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in Damascus on October 28.
The discussions covered border security, intelligence sharing, counterterrorism, organized crime and plans for a visit by a senior Iraqi security delegation to Syria.
In an interview with Iraq’s Dijlah television channel, President al-Sharaa described security coordination between Damascus and Baghdad as strong, saying the border was stable and that communication remained open to address concerns.
He also said efforts to bring weapons under state control had been a priority from the outset, helping address Iraqi concerns about the presence of armed factions with competing agendas.
Border security and counterterrorism
In March, Iraqi Border Forces Commander, Lieutenant General Mohammed Abdul Wahab Sukkar al-Saeedi, said Iraqi and Syrian forces were coordinating to secure border crossings, describing Iraq’s border with Syria as being under tight control, according to the Iraqi News Agency.
Cooperation continued in July, when a Syrian Defense Ministry delegation met Iraqi border security officials to discuss anti-smuggling measures, intelligence sharing and communication between field commanders.
The two countries also agreed on June 29, 2026, to establish a high-level joint coordination committee following talks in Damascus between Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein.
Ihsan al-Shammari, head of Iraq’s Political Thinking Center, told SANA that stronger political and security coordination could help both countries develop a strategic partnership to secure the border, combat terrorism and prevent regional tensions from spilling across it.
He suggested establishing joint security, military and intelligence coordination centers.
Political researcher, Alaa Mustafa, said Iraq had strengthened its border defenses through thermal cameras, permanent military positions, patrols, military aircraft and drones.
He said coordination with Syrian forces could further improve border security and support commercial transport.
Bringing armed groups under state control
The file of bringing weapons under state authority remains a challenge for both countries, although their political and security circumstances differ.
Al-Shammari said Syria had made significant progress in integrating armed factions into its defense and interior institutions, describing the process as part of efforts to rebuild a unified national military.
In Iraq, the government has adopted a more gradual approach to addressing weapons held by armed groups outside direct state control.
Baghdad has announced a roadmap aimed at bringing weapons under state authority by June 30, 2027.
Some armed factions have expressed willingness to surrender their weapons, while others have resisted or raised objections.
Al-Shammari said Iraq’s efforts remained uncertain because of the political influence of armed groups and their ties to Iran.
He argued that the overlap between some factions and state institutions made Iraq’s situation more complex, while Syria faced the challenge of rebuilding its military institutions after years of conflict.
Daesh threat has retreated, but risks remain
President al-Sharaa has said the threat from ISIS has declined compared with previous years, but warned that the group continues to pose security risks.
He stressed the need for continued Syrian-Iraqi cooperation to prevent extremist groups.
Coordination has also become increasingly important following the transfer of ISIS detainees from Syrian territory to Iraq, raising questions about detention management, intelligence sharing and measures to prevent renewed militant activity.
Security cooperation could support oil and trade routes
Beyond security, officials and analysts see opportunities to expand economic ties, particularly through the transport of Iraqi oil across Syria to Mediterranean ports.
Mustafa said improved border security could support the movement of commercial goods and petroleum products, pointing to the transport of Iraqi oil toward the Syrian coastal city of Baniyas.
He said developing the oil transport route from Iraq to Baniyas could provide Baghdad with an additional outlet to the Mediterranean while creating opportunities for trade between the Gulf region and Europe through Syrian territory.
Mustafa also suggested that closer political ties between Damascus and Baghdad could help support broader economic cooperation.
Al-Shammari said stronger security and intelligence coordination would help protect both countries against cross-border threats and create more favorable conditions for investment and trade.
Closer cooperation between Damascus and Baghdad could therefore extend beyond immediate security concerns to include oil transportation, logistics and commercial partnerships, although major projects would depend on sustained border stability and investment.
MZN
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