ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The four Iraqi presidencies and the ruling State Administration Coalition met on Sunday to discuss the latest developments in Syria and the need to facilitate the return of Iraqi nationals from Syria.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, President Abdul Latif Rashid, Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani and Supreme Judicial Council Chairman Faiq Zidan met with the country’s top political leaders to discuss the latest developments in the region, particularly following the collapse of the Syrian regime.

The discussions “focused on recent developments in Syria and their security and political impact on the stability of Iraq and the region as a whole. Discussions also focused on the situation of Iraqi nationals in Syria, highlighting the need to facilitate the safe return of those who wish to return home,” according to a statement from the Sudanese office.

“They stressed the importance of strengthening security efforts along the Iraqi-Syrian border and strengthening government initiatives to secure the borders,” the statement added.

The Syrian civil war resumed in spectacular fashion late last month when a coalition of rebels led by jihadist Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched a scathing offensive against the Syrian army, seizing northern cities of Aleppo, Hama and Homs, culminating victory by capturing the capital Damascus as rebels claimed Assad had fled the country, ending more than five decades Baathist regime.

Since the start of the escalation in Syria, Iraqi forces have been on high alert. A large-scale operation is underway to strengthen border security, including digging trenches and building three-meter-high fortified walls.

HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani on Thursday called on Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani not to allow Iraqi armed groups to become involved in the conflict and said his fighters would not pose a threat for the national security of Iraq.

“The meeting reaffirmed Iraq’s consistent position on preserving the unity, security and stability of Syria. He stressed the importance of respecting Syria’s sovereignty and the right of its people to live in peace and security, while urging the international community to make serious efforts to support regional stability,” the office statement added. Sudanese.