Kurdish-led Syrian forces, Iraqi army coordinate at border

U.S.-backed militias in Syria said they have formed a joint military center with the Iraqi army to protect their common border region after ousting Islamic State militants.

Commanders of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias, met with Iraqi military leaders on Sunday. They “discussed protecting the Syrian-Iraqi border in the region adjacent to Deir al-Zor province, and how to finally eradicate Daesh (IS) mercenaries there,” the SDF said in a statement.

“The two sides decided to form a joint coordination center to guarantee the security of the border,” it said.

Last week, the SDF declared victory in its assault in Syria’s Deir al-Zor, which borders Iraq. The offensive focused on seizing territory east of the Euphrates river that bisects the oil-rich province.

The Kurdish-led SDF has been battling for months with the help of jets and special forces from the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State (IS).

Reporter’s code: 50101

Previous and next articles

Iran, Turkey sign MoU on waste management

Putin orders withdrawal of large part of Russian troops in Syria