INA - BAGHDAD

The head of the Popular Mobilization Forces - PMF, Falih Al-Fayyadh, denied on Monday PMF entering areas in Syria.

"What is happening in Syria has direct repercussions on Iraqi national security. The Zionist entity wants to lead the region with conflict and weapons," said Al-Fayyadh during an exclusive interview to be broadcast on Al-Iraqiya News TV at 21:00 BGD on Monday - followed up by the Iraqi News Agency - INA. 

He noted that "PMF is an official force that is under the command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces," categorically denying "the PMF's entry into areas in Syria."

"PMF does not operate outside Iraq and the defensive lines with Syria are fortified. PMF and all security forces are under the command of Joint Ops," he stressed.

Al-Fayyadh stated that "the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces directed to increase the presence and reinforce the units on the fronts, and PMF is a basic force to defend Iraq on the front with Syria."

"The Syrian defenses were exposed to attacks from the Zionist entity. The Syrian army suffered from the attacks of the Zionist entity, the long war and the sanctions, as there are different agendas in Syria," he pointed out.

He highlighted that "Iraqi relations with Turkey are highly important, and the interests of the two countries are one in counterterrorism."