Media Outlets Share Misleading Photos of Iraqi Forces on the Iraq-Syria Border

Recently, media outlets published photos claiming to show Iraqi forces deployed along the Syria border amid rising concerns following escalating clashes between the Syrian army and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The posts also suggested the deployment aimed to prevent “any potential infiltration by sleeper Daesh cells.”

Among the most prominent outlets sharing the photos were Rudaw English, which posted an album of four images, and Radio Alghad, which shared five. Both reports stated that Iraqi security forces were deployed along the border in coordination with ongoing clashes between the SDF and the Syrian army.

Old Photos Unrelated to Clashes Between Syrian Army and SDF

Misbar’s team investigated the circulating photos using reverse image search and found them to be misleading.

One image shared by Rudaw English on X and Radio Alghad on Facebook, showing a line of SUVs flying Iraqi flags alongside a barbed-wire fence, was previously published in November 2024.

At the time, it was presented as showing Iraqi army movements toward the Syria border, coinciding with the Operation Deterrence of Aggression carried out by Syrian opposition factions against the Assad regime, which succeeded in overthrowing it on December 8, 2024.

A second photo shared by Rudaw English on X shows a line of armored vehicles traveling on a paved road, with a barbed-wire barrier to the right and a spaced line of soldiers facing the border.

This image was originally posted by the Iraqi Ministry of Interior on Instagram in July 2024. It depicts the Maghawir Brigade of the Iraqi Border Forces during the “Immediate Movement” exercise along the Iraq-Syria border.

The third photo, showing several armored vehicles flying Iraqi flags while navigating a road bend next to a concrete wall, was found in an older post by Rudaw Arabic on Facebook in December 2024.

On Monday, January 19, Radio Alghad published additional images, including one showing a large convoy of military vehicles, claiming it reflected Iraqi security preparations along the Syria border.

Misbar traced a version of this photo back to at least July 2025, when it was posted in a report on efforts to prevent smuggling into Iraq’s western provinces.

Radio Alghad also shared a photo of a military vehicle with a soldier on top holding a heavy machine gun, while two other soldiers were visible inside the cabin. A version of this image was previously posted on 964media in July 2024, accompanied by a report titled “Iraq Conducts Immediate Exercises Along the Syria Border.”

Iraq Deploys Security Reinforcements Along Syria Border

The claim circulated after the Media Directorate of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) released photos it said showed reinforcements along the Syria border. According to the statement, the PMF, under the Nineveh Operations Command, had strengthened security along the border in Nineveh province.

The statement added that the PMF had expanded its field presence to secure border checkpoints, prevent infiltration by terrorist groups and criminal elements, and maintain effective border control.

Shiite leader Muqtada Al-Sadr warned about developments in Syria, particularly near the Iraq-Syria border, calling for additional reinforcements to protect border crossings.

Al-Sadr wrote on X that the situation in Syria, especially near the Iraqi border, “should not be treated lightly but taken seriously,” adding that “the danger is imminent, and terrorism is being supported by global arrogance,” in his words.

Since taking office three years ago, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani has launched a broad project to build a concrete barrier with barbed wire, install surveillance cameras, and deploy military forces along the border. These forces, supported by security units and the Popular Mobilization Forces, aim to secure the border, prevent infiltrations, and stop drug traffickers from crossing.

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