The US-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS is expanding the scope of its cooperation with Iraq in various fields, undeterred by the various terrorist attacks against its logistical support convoys.
Iraqi Joint Operations Command spokesman Major General Tahsin al-Khafaji stressed that the coalition continues to support the security forces, noting that it began providing the border guards with smart towers, thermal cameras and technical equipment used for reconnaissance.
The Global Coalition recently supplied Iraq with over $1 million worth of equipment to aid in its battle against terrorism.
The semi-open border between Iraq and Syria is one of the most important factors allowing ISIS to reorganize its ranks and launch continuous attacks, posing a new threat.
Meanwhile, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior arrested 15 ISIS terrorists in the northern Nineveh governorate.
The ministry issued a statement saying the detainees are wanted by the judiciary on charges of terrorism, and they confessed during the preliminary investigations to their affiliation with ISIS.
They also participated in several terrorist attacks before Iraq defeated the group in 2017.
Iraqi security expert, Fadel Abul Ragheef believes the international coalition’s interest in the Iraqi file stems from the need to preserve its national security.
He told Asharq Al-Awsat that the security of the countries of the international coalition begins with maintaining the security of Iraq and Afghanistan.
He warned that if ISIS reestablished itself in Iraq, its activities will spread to the countries of the international coalition, including the US and its allies.
Abul Ragheef added that the coalition also wants to protect its forces, presence and facilities in Iraq, especially Baghdad.
It also supported the Special Forces in the Green Zone with equipment worth about $20 million, in addition to another possible batch of aid amounting to more than $50 million, according to the expert.
He said the coalition plans to increase the combat level of Iraqi forces given the growing risks of the terrorist organization and its attempt to restore its presence in the country.
Advisor at the European Center for Counterterrorism and Intelligence Studies (ECCI), Major General Imad Allaw told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Global Coalition is entering a new phase and extending its Central Command to include Israel, Bahrain and the UAE.
Allaw believes it is a clear indication that normalization with Israel may include other countries in the region.
The expert noted that the coalition may want to boost the military capabilities in the Middle East against the Iranian-Turkish-Russian alliance that aims to share influence in the region, especially the resource-rich eastern Mediterranean.
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