Fact Check: Did Syria’s Defense Minister Threaten to Invade Baghdad?
In a world saturated with information, discerning fact from fiction is more critical than ever. Recently, a purported statement from Syrian Defense Minister, Mr. Mohaf Abou Khasra, has circulated online, claiming he threatened military action against Iraq. This alleged statement, which suggested Syria was prepared to attack Baghdad if an executed Syrian citizen was not released, has been debunked by Annahar’s FactCheck.
The False Claim and Its Rapid Spread
The fabricated statement gained traction on social media platforms, capturing the attention of many users. The claim, if true, would represent a significant escalation in tensions between Syria and Iraq. However, a thorough investigation reveals no evidence to support this claim. The absence of this statement in official Syrian news outlets, the Syrian Defense Ministry’s accounts, and other credible sources strongly suggests its inauthenticity. Its presence is limited to social media, without any credible source, raising serious questions about its validity.
Context: A Visit to Russia and an Execution
The fabricated news surfaced around the time Mr. Mohaf Abou Khasra, the Syrian Defense Minister, concluded a three-day official visit to Russia. During this visit, he met with Russian Defense Minister, Mr. Andrey Belousov, to discuss ways to support bilateral relations and share expertise in training and other areas. Simultaneously, the case of Syrian citizen, Mr. Mohammad Sleiman Ahmad Hassan, who was sentenced to death by an Iraqi court for allegedly glorifying ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, has fueled tensions. The execution of Mr. Hassan has transformed into a major diplomatic and political issue between Damascus and Baghdad.
Diplomatic and Public Reactions
The Syrian Foreign Ministry has announced its intention to follow up on the case of Mr. Hassan through the Syrian embassy in Baghdad, in collaboration with the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, based on existing agreements between the two countries. Protests have erupted in both Syria and Iraq, with families of Mr. Hassan gathering in public squares to demand his release and halt his execution. Demonstrations have also taken place in front of the Iraqi embassy in Damascus.
Conclusion
The claim that the Syrian Defense Minister threatened to attack Baghdad is false. The absence of any credible source and the investigation by Annahar’s FactCheck confirm that this statement is fabricated. The situation highlights the importance of verifying information, particularly in the current climate, and the potential impact of false claims on international relations.
Source: Annahar
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