According to reports, forces of the group known as the 'Islamic State' have managed to strengthen their control in the border area between Iraq and Syria by 'completely capturing' a crossable border region on Sunday, May 24. AFP reports that control of this border post effectively allows the extremist militants to control two main roads between Syria and Anbar province in Iraq. The latest events come as the 'Islamic State' forces have fully captured the city of Ramadi in Anbar, the largest province in Iraq, although reports have emerged that Iraqi soldiers have successfully recaptured areas in eastern Ramadi in a fresh assault on the group's positions. In the early hours of Sunday, 'Islamic State' militants seized the al-Walid border area in Iraq. Last Thursday, the other side of this border point in Syria had come under the control of this group. Reports indicate that Iraqi forces have retreated to the Jordanian border point near al-Walid. AFP quotes the Border Guard Administration of Anbar province as saying that 'there has been no military support for the security forces, and they were not sufficient to maintain the border post.' The Rudaw news network also reported, citing a news source, that this border point was completely captured by 'Islamic State' forces from both sides, Iraq and Syria, at midnight. This source also added that this is the third border point between the two countries that has been captured by Islamists in recent weeks. Forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad's government in Syria have also completely lost control over the border areas between the two countries following the fall of the 'Tanf' post in Homs province. Currently, pro-central government militias in Iraq, along with the country's army, are fighting against 'Islamic State' forces. A coalition led by the United States is also conducting airstrikes against extremist militants in Iraq and Syria, which began in August of last year, and with dozens of attacks in recent days, their numbers have exceeded 3,000. In this context, the counter-offensive of Shiite militias and the Iraqi army to retake Ramadi has seen Iraqi soldiers recapture 'Husaybah' in eastern Ramadi. The commander of the army's ground forces stated that terrorists are near Iran's borders.
Islamic State Strengthens Control at Iraq-Syria Border
The Islamic State has strengthened its control over a border area between Iraq and Syria by capturing a key border post, enabling access to major roads. This development follows their full capture of Ramadi, while Iraqi forces are reportedly launching counter-offensives to regain lost territory. The situation highlights the ongoing instability in the region and the challenges faced by Iraqi security forces.
👥 Key Players
⚡ Actions
📰 What Happened
Islamic State captures key border area between Iraq and Syria, threatening regional stability.
- Islamic State attack border area between Iraq and Syria
- Islamic State attack Ramadi, Iraq
- Iraqi forces retreat Jordanian border point near al-Walid
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The capture of key border areas by Islamic State poses a significant threat to regional stability.
📝 Key Evidence
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%