Tensions continue to rise as Iraq says 50% of bombers come through Syria

Aftermath of yesterday's truck bomb in Baghdad, which killed at least 135

Dubai - The Iraqi government said on Sunday that half the Sunni Muslim militants behind the bombings shaking the country had arrived through neighbouring Syria.

The United States and Iraqi officials have long accused Iraq's neighbours, particularly Syria and Iran, of failing to stop Islamic militants from crossing into Iraq to carry out attacks.

US and Iraqi officials say many of the insurgents responsible for the violence are not Iraqis.

"We have confirmation that 50% of these takfiris and killers who call themselves Arab jihadists come across the Syrian border," Iraqi government spokesperson Ali al-Dabbagh told Al Arabiya TV, referring to radical Sunnis whose ideology brands some Muslims as infidels and allows their killing.

"Syria closes its eyes. As we have said before and we say again today, we are facing a bloody and painful day for us in Iraq as a result of Syria's lack of seriousness in controlling the border."

Iraq's Shi'ite-led government on Sunday renewed its pledge to crack down on Saddam Hussein supporters and Sunni militants after a truck bomb killed 135 people in a mainly Shi'ite area of Baghdad in the deadliest single attack since the 2003 invasion.

About 1 000 people have been killed across Iraq in the past week in suicide bombings, shootings and fighting between militants and security forces, according to figures compiled by Reuters from official sources.

Syria says it is doing its best to control its border with Iraq.

"The Syrian regime has strong intelligence (agencies) and no bird can fly over the Golan Heights but when it comes to ... the Iraqi side they say they do not have the equipment or don't have this or that," Dabbagh said.

Read the rest at News 24

Related Link:
Syria rejects accusations by Iraq over refugee restrictions; Says some 'linked to Washington' trying to stir split

Related Link:
Tensions rise as Iraq blames Syria over treatment of refugees, restrictions on travel; Decries Assad meeting with al-Dhari

Related Link:
Iraq halts all flights to Syria, closes border crossing with Iran

Related Link:
Talabani calls on U.S. to open talks with Syria

Related Link:
Perspective: Iran expands links with Syrians

Related Link:
Al-Dhari calls for UN, Arab nations to withdraw support of Iraqi government

Related Link:
Shiite-Led Iraqi Ministry Seeks Arrest of Top Sunni Cleric Harith al-Dhari