( CNN ) -- Syrian commanders say their troops along the border with Iraq are making strides in nabbing militants intent on staging suicide attacks in Baghdad . Syrian soldiers in a pickup truck patrol the area of their country 's border with Iraq . But , the commanders say , they could do a better job if they were able to obtain modern equipment denied to them because of sanctions and if they received cooperation from the U.S. military . The commanders also say U.S. aircraft occasionally violate Syria 's airspace , a situation that points to the lack of coordination between the countries . `` We work within our abilities , '' said Gen. Khaklil Al-Khaled , a provincial military commander in northeastern Syria . `` The border constitutes a daily obsession to us , to prevent infiltration and confront the contraband groups and jihadist groups that infiltrate the border . '' Watch what life is like on the Syrian border » . Syrian commanders were interviewed by CNN along the border , where Syria and the United States have a complicated relationship . The Syrian government `` began limited cooperation with the United States in the global war against terrorism '' after the September 11 , 2001 , attacks , the U.S. State Department has said . The United States has long criticized Syria for being a staging ground for insurgents who infiltrate Iraq in the Euphrates River valley of Anbar province and conduct attacks in the towns along that waterway and in Baghdad . It has also criticized Syria for its ties to Iran , the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah , and the Palestinian movement Hamas . Syria says it is doing what it can to thwart insurgent activity and the United States in turn has softened its negative rhetoric toward President Bashar Al-Assad 's regime . They say they 've arrested many foreign fighters and have confiscated many weapons . The number of monthly insurgent strikes in Iraq has dropped dramatically recently as Iraqis who once backed insurgents in Anbar province have turned against them . Still , some insurgent activity continues in Anbar and along the Nineveh province section of the Iraqi-Syrian border . Al-Khaled said Syrian troop outposts are strung along the vast , sandy 385-mile Syria-Iraq border , with 12 soldiers per post . The troops have erected a sand wall and embark on daily foot and vehicle patrols . `` There have been many arrests of jihadi groups that infiltrate the Iraqi side , and they have been turned to the authorities . These jihadi groups belong to different nationalities , such as Egyptians , Saudis , Moroccans , Tunisians , and Libyans that fight in Iraq , '' Al-Khaled said . The Syrians chafe at criticism from Americans for not doing a better job . The Syrians say they are using antiquated equipment because sanctions by the United States prevent them from upgrading . They say they lack night surveillance equipment , automatic weapons and other items they believe would help them . Al-Khaled said Syria does n't like the U.S. administration casting blame on Syria for lax border security when `` America itself can not control its border with Mexico . '' The Syrian military said it has no communication with U.S. commanders along the border -- something that troubles Syrian commanders . Al-Khaled said communication would help deal with problems such as U.S. planes entering Syrian airspace . `` Every now and then there are airspace violations -- sometimes not less than five to six times per month with their military jets and helicopters , '' Al-Khaled said . He said Syria lodges its complaints with an Iraqi liaison officer . Americans say the errors are tactical or human , he said , but he doubts those assertions because of the U.S. military 's acumen and resources . `` This is an issue that concerns both sides , '' he said . `` There should not be any lenience from their part in violating the border of a free , sovereign state . '' Mohammed Askari , spokesman for Iraq 's Defense Ministry , declined to comment , saying these are Multi-National Forces issues . The U.S. military has not responded to a request for comment .
Syrian military says it has arrested many militants trying to get into Iraq . Syrian commanders say they could do better without U.S. sanctions . Sanctions prevent military from having modern equipment , Syria says .