Defence Ministry yet to explain heightened readiness as forces reportedly move toward Iraq frontier
DAMASCUS: The Syrian military has reportedly raised its alert level, recalled personnel from leave and increased operational readiness amid reports of additional troop deployments near the Syrian-Iraqi border, although authorities have not issued an official explanation for the measures.
According to Syrian media and sources cited by Al Arabiya, the Defence Ministry instructed military personnel to enter what was described as “Alert Level C” and ordered service members on leave to return immediately to their units. Reports also indicated that military formations were repositioned toward areas along the Iraqi border as part of broader preparedness measures.
However, officials have not confirmed the scale of the deployment, the number of troops involved or the expected duration of the heightened alert.
Personnel recalled as readiness increases
Two Syrian military personnel, speaking anonymously because they were not authorised to comment publicly, confirmed that their leave had been cancelled shortly after it began and that they were instructed to report back to their duty stations without delay.
The soldiers said they received no explanation regarding the reason for the recall or the nature of any potential security threat. Their accounts support reports that personnel have been called back to active duty, although they could not verify whether the measures apply across the entire military or are limited to selected units.
At the time of publication, the Syrian Defence Ministry had not released a statement clarifying the purpose of the alert or whether it was linked to developments along the Iraqi border or elsewhere inside the country.
Security situation remains unclear
Military sources quoted by local media said the orders focused on increasing readiness and reinforcing operational capabilities, but they did not specify which authority issued the directives or when the measures might be lifted.
Meanwhile, it remains unclear whether the reported military movements have affected border crossings or commercial and civilian traffic between Syria and Iraq.
The border region, particularly in Deir ez-Zor and Hasakah provinces, has long faced security challenges due to militant activity and ongoing military operations. Observers say the current measures could represent either a precautionary response or preparations for a broader security operation, although independent verification of the reported deployments remains unavailable.
