The head of Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Front, Faleh al-Fayyad, center, attends a funeral for the group members who were killed by a US air strike, in Baghdad, Iraq, February 4, 2024. (AP)

The head of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq, Falih al-Fayyad, stated on Tuesday that the PMF has not yet taken a definitive stance on the situation in Syria.

In his speech at the security forum for tribal leaders in Kirkuk province, he said, "We do not perceive any immediate threats to Iraq, but we are prepared for any potential confrontation," expressing his wish for the Syrian people to "achieve stability and unity."

Al-Fayyad further emphasized, "No one can claim to be fully reassured by what is happening there," noting that "Iraq's perspective has not been considered regarding the developments in Syria over the past years."

He also expressed regret over "the fall of the Syrian army and its targeting by the Israeli entity," adding, "We do not interfere in Syria's internal affairs, but Iraq and Syria share a common security space."

'PMF fully prepared for confrontation'

Al-Fayyad pointed out that "the lack of clarity in Syria necessitates caution, preparation, and vigilance," stressing that the PMF "will not allow the forces of darkness to destabilize Iraq's security again."

He further clarified, "I am not declaring war, nor am I warning of an attack, but I assure you of our full readiness."

Al-Fayyad also affirmed that the PMF operates under the direct command of the Iraqi Prime Minister, stating: "We are the most committed to the state and its values, and to defending its constitution."

He continued, "We in the PMF are fully prepared for any confrontation and are working to ensure the security of Kirkuk in cooperation with all parties, maintaining neutrality with everyone."

Describing Kirkuk as "a miniature version of Iraq governed by the constitution," he reiterated the importance of respecting all communities.

Al-Fayyad significantly also stressed, "Cooperating with foreign entities under the pretext of nationalism or sectarianism is a betrayal of the constitution," noting that "all Iraqis contributed to the victory [against ISIS]."

Iraq's National Security neutralizes terrorist pre-detonation

The Iraqi National Security Agency's counterterrorism cell successfully eliminated a terrorist wearing a suicide vest in the Daquq district, southeast of Kirkuk governorate in northern Iraq, according to an announcement by the agency on Friday.

The operation, carried out by the National Security Agency in coordination with the Kirkuk Security Directorate and the Tactical Regiment, was based on precise intelligence and judicial approvals. The terrorist was surrounded and neutralized before he could detonate himself.

This comes at a time when Iraqi political and military officials reaffirm their readiness to confront attempts to destabilize the country's security, following recent developments in Syria and warnings of potential spillover effects into Iraq.