Syrian rebel leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani has issued a stern warning to Iraq, urging the country to maintain neutrality in the ongoing Syrian conflict.
At a Glance
- HTS leader al-Jolani calls on Iraq to stay out of Syrian conflict
- Iraqi Kataeb Hezbollah urged Baghdad to support Syrian government
- Syria’s war has reignited amid broader Middle East turmoil
- Rebel forces have captured military equipment and are advancing towards Hama
- UN emphasizes need for political resolution to Syrian conflict
Al-Jolani’s Appeal for Neutrality
In a strategic move reflecting the region’s complex political landscape, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, leader of the Syrian rebel faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has reached out to Iraq’s leadership through a public statement. Al-Jolani specifically addressed Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, cautioning against Iraq’s potential engagement in Syria’s ongoing conflict and urging Baghdad to maintain neutrality.
This warning comes at a time when the Syrian war has reignited amidst broader Middle East turmoil following Hamas attacks on Israel in October last year. The conflict, which never fully ended but was overshadowed by other regional issues, has seen a significant offensive by a coalition of rebel groups led by HTS, capturing areas including Aleppo.
Iraqi Involvement and Regional Concerns
Al-Jolani’s call for non-interference comes in response to Iraq’s Kataeb Hezbollah, a group aligned with Iran, urging Baghdad to send troops to support the Syrian government. Kataeb Hezbollah is part of Hashed al-Shaabi, which has been integrated into Iraq’s regular armed forces. Al-Jolani specifically warned against Iraqi Hashed al-Shaabi’s involvement in Syria, dismissing fears of the conflict spreading to Iraq.
Despite claims of non-involvement outside Iraq by the Hashed al-Shaabi, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 200 pro-Iranian Iraqi fighters have entered Syria. This development has raised concerns about the potential escalation of the conflict and its impact on regional stability.
Syria’s Fragmented Landscape
The Syrian conflict has entered a new phase, with Assad’s regime maintaining control over major cities and infrastructure until recent events. However, the offensive by rebel forces, including HTS, reflects the fragmented political landscape in northern Syria. HTS, which has roots in al-Qaeda, has rebranded itself to distance from jihadist ideology and gain broader support.
The situation remains volatile, with potential for further anti-Assad uprisings. The UN Security Council resolution 2254, aimed at a peaceful future for Syria, remains unimplemented, highlighting the international community’s inability to resolve the conflict through diplomatic means.
Regional Implications
The renewed conflict in Syria has significant implications for neighboring countries, particularly Iraq. Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani has emphasized the link between Iraq’s and Syria’s security, while influential Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr has also urged Iraq to avoid involvement in Syria. An Iraqi government official stated that a “red line” would be crossed if rebels advanced near Iraq’s border or Damascus, indicating the delicate balance Iraq is attempting to maintain.
