Iran calls for more regional anti-terror cooperation, denouncing “illegal” foreign presence in Syria

Tabnak – Fighting the foreign-backed terrorists in Syria and Iraq has made an effective cooperative format between and the two Arab countries which is still forming a major part of their interactions. Now, the highest military commanders of the three countries vow to continue their close contacts until all terrorist groups are eradicated.

In this vein, Iran's top military commander has warned about efforts by stooges of the global arrogance to fuel insecurity in the Middle East, stressing that the fight against terrorists will continue until their full elimination.

Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri made the remarks while addressing a joint press conference at the end of a tripartite meeting with his Iraqi counterpart Lieutenant General Othman al-Ghanimi and Syrian Defense Minister General Ali Abdullah Ayyoub in Damascus on Monday, during which the three countries exchanged views on ways to combat terrorism.

Iran's military chief said at the present time, the main goal is to preserve national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, adding, "Measures taken by the three countries will continue until terrorists are fully defeated."

Baqeri added that withdrawal of foreign forces that are present in Syria without any authorization from the country's government is also top on the agenda of the three states.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Baqeri insisted that the foreign forces stationed in Syria without coordination with the Damascus government should leave the Arab country. In comments at the beginning of his visit to Syria on Sunday, Major General Baqeri said he has travelled to Damascus for a trilateral meeting of Iran, Syria and Iraq.

The top Iranian commander said one of the main issues to be emphasized in the meeting is that “the forces that are present in Syria without coordination with its government will be leaving the Syrian soil sooner or later.”

“Just as Iran is in Syria at the official invitation of the Syrian government, the presence of forces of other countries should also be arranged with and permitted by the Syrian government,” the general added.

Denouncing the “illegal” presence of foreign forces in Syria’s Idlib and eastern side of the Euphrates, the top commander underscored, “These forces should leave those regions as soon as possible.”

Saying that Iran, Syria, Russia and Iraq as well as the resistance front have managed to make great achievements during the recent years in the fight against terrorism thanks to their remarkable coordination, the top Iranian commander added that efforts would continue to fully liberate Syria.

Baqeri noted that he would hold separate talks with military officials of Syria and Iraq on ways to boost cooperation among the three countries' armed forces.

Over the past years, Iran and Russia have been respectively lending military advisory support and aerial backup to the Syrian military in its battle against Takfiri terrorists.