Baghdad accuses Syrians soldiers of firing at Iraqi patrol

BAGHDAD - The Iraqi defence ministry on Monday accused Syrian soldiers of firing at Iraqi border patrols to help a group cross illegally into Iraq.
"On April 22 at 8:30 am (0430 GMT), Syrian soldiers occupying a position opposite the Jabal post opened fire on our patrols to help a group of individuals infiltrate Iraq," the ministry said in a statement.
"Our patrol returned fire, forcing these individuals to flee towards Syrian territory," it added, without specifying where on the border the Jabal outpost is located.
There were no reports of casualties.
Iraqi authorities have repeatedly accused Syrian intelligence of helping insurgents fighting the Baghdad government, but they have rarely specifically referred to border incidents.
There was no immediate comment Monday on the reported incident.
Iraqi television has broadcast alleged confessions by Iraqi rebels arrested in the north of the country saying they were trained in Syria, a charge Damascus has repeatedly denied.
The Baghdad government has protested to its neighbours about alleged infiltrations by foreign fighters.

04/25/2005 14:00 GMT