Iraq says borders protected, denies forces crossing into Iran

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Iraq’s border guard commander said the country’s borders are fully protected and denied reports that forces have crossed from the Kurdistan Region into Iran, stressing ongoing coordination with the Peshmerga and security forces to secure the frontier.

Mohammed Abdulwahab Sukar, commander of Iraq’s border guard forces, said the country’s borders with all neighboring states are “fully secured,” rejecting claims that armed forces have entered Iran from the Kurdistan Region.

“There is continuous coordination between Iraq’s border guard forces and the Peshmerga and Asayish forces to protect the border with Iran,” Sukar told Rudaw, adding that communication also exists between Iraqi border brigade commanders and their Iranian counterparts.

He said the scale and deployment of Iraqi forces have turned the border line into a “strict security zone,” preventing any attempts by forces to cross into Iranian territory.

Iran shares more than 1,600 kilometers of border with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

According to a video obtained by Rudaw, Iraqi border guard forces moved on Saturday to the border area of Penjwen district in Sulaimani province. The force includes several military vehicles and carriers flying the Iraqi flag.

A senior border guard source told Rudaw that the deployed forces are all Kurds and have been sent to reinforce border security.

“The forces were deployed to strengthen the border and prevent smuggling and illegal activities. It has no connection to the war,” the source said.

The remarks come after Iranian officials warned against any cooperation with hostile forces along its borders.

Nahro Mohammed contributed to this article.