Iraq’s PMF deploys anti-armor units to Syrian border amid rising threats

Source: France24

Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) have deployed anti-armor units along the Syrian border, reinforcing their positions amid concerns over renewed extremist activity in the region.

The PMF, a coalition of mostly Shiite paramilitary groups officially integrated into Iraq’s security forces, announced the deployment on Thursday, stating it aims to “bolster existing forces, raise combat readiness, and improve coordination with other security agencies.” The group added, “These deployments strengthen our defensive posture in key areas.”

Security coordination between Iraqi forces and border authorities remains active to prevent militant infiltration and maintain regional stability, the PMF noted. The move comes as Iraq continues to shore up its frontier defenses following the collapse of the Syrian regime on December 8, a shift that has heightened fears of an ISIS resurgence.

ISIS, which once controlled vast territories in Iraq and Syria, was territorially defeated by December 2017. However, remnants of the group continue to operate through sleeper cells, carrying out guerrilla attacks, assassinations, and extortion in a bid to destabilize the region.

The PMF’s latest move underscores Baghdad’s broader efforts to prevent cross-border militant activity as security challenges persist in the post-ISIS era.