Türkiye Seeks Cooperation with Iraq to Combat Terrorism on Shared Border
Türkiye is taking steps to strengthen its cooperation with the Iraqi government in the fight against terrorism along their shared border region. Senior Turkish officials recently met with their counterparts in Baghdad for talks on security and counterterrorism measures, highlighting the country’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
The meeting, held on Tuesday, was attended by Turkish Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu and Iraqi Interior Minister Othman Ali Farhood, along with other high-level officials from both countries. The discussions focused on strengthening border security and increasing intelligence sharing to combat the threat of terrorism.
Türkiye and Iraq share a long border that spans over 350 miles, making it vulnerable to terrorist activities. The region has witnessed numerous attacks by terrorist groups, including the Islamic State (IS) in recent years, causing significant damage to both countries’ security and stability. In response, both governments have been working closely to address this common threat and prevent any further attacks.
The talks between the two sides were held in a positive and constructive atmosphere, with both parties expressing their commitment to enhancing cooperation in the fight against terrorism. Minister Soylu emphasized Türkiye’s determination to eliminate all terrorist threats, stating, “We will not allow any terrorist organization to use our borders as a safe haven to carry out their attacks.”
The two countries also discussed the importance of increasing coordination and intelligence sharing between their security forces. This includes the exchange of information on suspected terrorists, their movements, and any potential threats. Such collaboration is crucial in preventing terrorist attacks and apprehending those involved in such heinous acts.
The meeting also addressed the issue of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) who have been crossing into Iraq and Syria to join extremist groups. Both sides agreed to step up border controls and closely monitor any suspicious activities in the border region. This joint effort will not only prevent FTFs from entering the region but also disrupt their supply lines and financing.
Moreover, the two countries also pledged to work together to address the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion. This approach, which focuses on addressing the underlying issues that contribute to the radicalization of individuals, is essential in preventing future terrorist threats.
The talks also touched upon the issue of repatriating foreign terrorist fighters to their countries of origin. Türkiye has been at the forefront of repatriating foreign fighters, with over 7,500 individuals deported or sent back to their home countries since 2019. The country has faced criticism for this action, but Minister Soylu emphasized that it is crucial to hold these individuals accountable for their actions and prevent them from posing a threat to the region’s security.
The meeting between Türkiye and Iraq is a significant step towards strengthening their cooperation in the fight against terrorism. The two countries have a long history of friendship and cooperation, and this latest effort will only further solidify their partnership. It is crucial for regional stability that neighboring countries work together to address common challenges, such as terrorism, and Türkiye and Iraq are setting a positive example for others to follow.
In conclusion, the recent talks between Türkiye and Iraq on security and counterterrorism measures demonstrate the countries’ commitment to jointly addressing the threat of terrorism in the region. The cooperation between the two nations will not only enhance border security but also disrupt terrorist activities and prevent future attacks. This joint effort is a positive step towards maintaining peace and stability in the region and sends a strong message to terrorist groups that Türkiye and Iraq will not tolerate any threats to their security.
