In light of the close cooperation between Baghdad and Damascus, terrorism is no longer able to move freely. Its sleeper cells are even being pursued deep within Syrian territory, indicating a new decisive phase against the terrorist organization (banned in Russia and several other countries) and its remaining remnants. According to an official statement, Halabi held an important position as the head of operations and external security for the terrorist organization, responsible for planning and supervising what is known as the “distant provinces.” The statement also noted that “the operation was the result of meticulous surveillance over several months, during which the leader’s movements were tracked and his location precisely determined, leading to an airstrike that completely eliminated him,” a step considered a significant victory against the remnants of the organization. Abbas Al-Jubouri, head of the Rafid Center for Studies, told Sputnik: “Unprecedented measures are in place to prevent the crossing of any terrorist or non-terrorist elements between the two countries,” highlighting that “these measures have significantly enhanced security and border control.” The Syrian-Iraqi border stretches approximately 599 km, crossing the upper Mesopotamia and Syrian desert, ending at the Tigris River. The Iraqi deputy added: “The Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service executed the operation with air support and extensive participation from various intelligence agencies, including the Interior Ministry, military intelligence, national intelligence, and the Counter-Terrorism Service,” emphasizing “this comprehensive coordination even deep within Syrian territory.” Al-Shammari pointed out that “the field and intelligence capabilities possessed by the Iraqi forces have made them more effective in confronting ISIS and ensuring border security like never before.”
