The situation in Syria is witnessing a serious escalation, particularly in Aleppo and Hama, where intense aerial bombardments and ongoing clashes between government forces and armed factions have led to widespread destruction of infrastructure and the collapse of basic services. These developments have driven large numbers to be internally displaced, with reports predicting that around 3 million people might flee to neighboring countries, including Iraq, in search of safety.
Iraq is taking precautionary steps to deal with this crisis by deploying 10,000 soldiers on its border with Syria to enhance security and prevent the infiltration of armed factions along with the anticipated waves of displacement. Simultaneously, the Iraqi government is conducting intensive consultations with the Syrian side to discuss the crisis's repercussions and mechanisms for dealing with it while also calling on the international community to provide urgent humanitarian support.
The potential humanitarian crisis threatens to impose significant pressures on Iraq's infrastructure, particularly in border areas already struggling with service and development issues. The situation requires an urgent international response to avoid a new humanitarian catastrophe.