Iraq, Jordan Discuss Border Security and Combatting Terrorism

The Jordanian Interior Minister met his Iraqi counterpart on Sunday, September 19, 2021. (Petra)
The Jordanian Interior Minister met his Iraqi counterpart on Sunday, September 19, 2021. (Petra)
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Iraq, Jordan Discuss Border Security and Combatting Terrorism

The Jordanian Interior Minister met his Iraqi counterpart on Sunday, September 19, 2021. (Petra)
The Jordanian Interior Minister met his Iraqi counterpart on Sunday, September 19, 2021. (Petra)

Jordan and Iraq discussed Sunday means of bolstering bilateral cooperation in combatting terrorism, extremism and border security.

Jordanian Minister of Interior Mazen al-Faraya and his Iraqi counterpart Othman al-Ghanimi also tackled in Amman ways to address smuggling operations and human trafficking.

Exchange of information, development of trade exchange operations through the Karameh border crossing (Trebil), investment, revitalization of tourism, facilitation of residency procedures and visa granting were among the issues discussed, the Jordanian news agency (Petra) reported.

The government is keen to overcome obstacles that would affect bilateral ties, Faraya said, adding that it has allowed trucks to enter, facilitated trade and movement and developed e-procedures to grant visas and residencies.

Ghanimi, for his part, pointed to the old and well-established bilateral ties and historical bonds that require continuous progress to develop them through coordination and joint consultation in exchanging training and information expertise, forensic evidence and the use of security technology.

He said his visit aims to consider the smooth flow of trade and investment, and address some difficulties faced by Iraqis residing in the kingdom.

Both sides are expected to reconsider the 2005 security agreement to achieve their common interests.



Syrian Security Forces Detain Cousin of Toppled Leader Assad

A giant picture of Syrian President Bashar Assad lies on the ground as a Syrian opposition fighter stands nearby, inside the Presidential Palace in Damascus, Syria, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki)
A giant picture of Syrian President Bashar Assad lies on the ground as a Syrian opposition fighter stands nearby, inside the Presidential Palace in Damascus, Syria, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki)
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Syrian Security Forces Detain Cousin of Toppled Leader Assad

A giant picture of Syrian President Bashar Assad lies on the ground as a Syrian opposition fighter stands nearby, inside the Presidential Palace in Damascus, Syria, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki)
A giant picture of Syrian President Bashar Assad lies on the ground as a Syrian opposition fighter stands nearby, inside the Presidential Palace in Damascus, Syria, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki)

Syria's security forces have detained Wassim al-Assad, a cousin of toppled leader Bashar al-Assad, state news agency SANA said on Saturday.

Wassim al-Assad was sanctioned by the United States in 2023 for leading a paramilitary force backing Assad's army and for trafficking drugs including the amphetamine-like drug captagon, Reuters said.

Bashar al-Assad was toppled by the opposition factions in December and fled to Moscow. Most of his family members and inner circle either fled Syria or went underground.

Syria’s new security forces have been pursuing members of the former administration - mainly those involved in the feared security branches accused of rights abuses.

Rights groups have called for a fully-fledged transitional justice process to hold them to account.