Defense Minister Thabet al-Abbasi emphasized that Iraq’s security is deeply interconnected with Syria’s stability, expressing hope that Baghdad will reach a border security agreement with Damascus authorities.

Speaking to Al Arabiya, al-Abbasi stated that the continued presence of U.S. and Coalition forces in Syria is essential due to the persistent threat posed by ISIS militants in the region.

He warned that the al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria, which houses the families of ISIS fighters, remains a serious security concern for Iraq.

Al-Abbasi confirmed that Baghdad has requested—through Ankara—that Damascus close the camp, but noted that the key obstacle lies with European nationals held there, whose home countries are unwilling to repatriate them.

The defense minister also pointed to ongoing difficulties in negotiations between the new Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) regarding their potential integration into Syria’s Defense Ministry, stressing that continued operations against ISIS are both critical and necessary.

Regarding the planned withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq, al-Abbasi said coordination with Washington and allied nations remains in place, and no changes have been signaled in the timeline.

Coalition troops are expected to vacate certain bases and relocate to the Kurdistan Region by the end of September.