Iraq hosts fleeing Syrian soldiers, but refugee status is "not an option"

Iraqi officials disclosed that approximately 3,000 soldiers and officers from the Syrian army fled into Iraq just hours before the anticipated fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime.

Last Saturday, Iraq officially confirmed its reception of hundreds of Syrian military personnel who fled ongoing battles. Originally slated for return to Damascus by air, their deportation was delayed indefinitely due to the instability in Syria.

Turki Mohammad, the mayor of Al-Qa’im—a city in western Anbar Governorate where the soldiers are stationed—stated, "Over the past few days, Iraq received approximately 3,000 fighters from the former Syrian regime’s army, including soldiers and officers... They entered with official approvals after they handed over their weapons to the Iraqi border guard forces, and tents were set up for them inside the Iraqi Al-Qa’im crossing. They were provided with all their basic needs and were hosted by the Iraqi tribes in Anbar.”

According to Mohammad, tents were initially set up for the soldiers at the Al-Qa’im border crossing. Iraqi tribal communities in Anbar extended hospitality, ensuring their basic needs were met. However, the soldiers have since been transferred to a military base in the Rutba district.

“The soldiers have become the responsibility of the military authorities and have been transferred to one of the military bases in the Rutba district, with all their needs provided," Mohammad stated. "There has been coordination with the Ministry of Migration and Displacement to provide them with their needs, especially food, and they are currently inside a secured Iraqi military base.”

An anonymous source confirmed that Iraq has no plans to grant refugee status to the soldiers. Instead, Iraqi authorities intend to hold them temporarily until conditions in Syria stabilize, ensuring a safe return.

“They will remain as guests of Iraq during the next stage, until their situation is arranged, and their safe return is guaranteed. Iraq is committed to their safety within Iraqi territory and when sending them to the Syrian side."