On December 19, 2024, the Iraqi Security Media Cell announced that authorities would begin repatriating Syrian soldiers who fled to Iraq after the recent overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8.

In a statement, Major General Muqdad Miri, spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior and the Security Media Cell, confirmed that the process would commence today, although he did not specify the number of soldiers involved. The operation is set to take place in coordination with relevant Syrian authorities and will utilize the Al-Qaim border crossing in the Anbar province.

Additionally, Lieutenant General Qais al-Muhammadawi, deputy commander of Iraq’s Joint Operations, emphasized that Iraq will not permit the entry of terrorists into its territory, reaffirming the country’s commitment to national security while facilitating the return of the Syrian soldiers.

The announcement follows a significant shift in the Syrian conflict, with opposition forces seizing control of Damascus and marking the end of a 61-year rule by the Ba'ath Party, alongside 53 years of Assad family dominance.