Riyadh Hosts Anti-Daesh Talks: Coalition Shares Unified Strategy

Riyadh served as a critical diplomatic hub this week, hosting a meeting of the Small Group of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh. Senior diplomatic and defense officials convened to align strategy and address the evolving challenges in sustaining the campaign against the militant group.

Saudi Vice Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji opened the proceedings, which were co-chaired by US Special Envoy for Syria, Ambassador Tom Barrack. Attendees expressed gratitude to the Kingdom for facilitating the dialogue and acknowledged its sustained role in supporting regional and international counter-terrorism efforts.

Key Agreements and Shifting Responsibilities

A significant point of discussion was the recent comprehensive agreement between the Government of Syria and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which includes a permanent ceasefire and plans for the civil and military integration of northeast Syria. Participants noted Damascus’s stated intention to assume national leadership of counter-Daesh operations and recognized the sacrifices made by the SDF in the fight.

The meeting also highlighted appreciation for the Government of Iraq’s continued leadership in the campaign, underscoring its pivotal role in regional security.

Coalition Priorities: Detainees, Repatriation, and Reintegration

Officials reaffirmed several urgent shared priorities:

• The swift and secure transfer of Daesh detainees.
• The repatriation of foreign nationals by their countries of origin.
• The dignified reintegration of families from camps like Al-Hol and Roj into their home communities.
• Continued close coordination with both Damascus and Baghdad on the future of the campaign in Syria and Iraq.

A notable development was the formal welcome of the Syrian government as the coalition’s 90th member. Members expressed readiness to work closely with Syrian authorities and encouraged direct support for Syrian and Iraqi-led efforts.

Military and Diplomatic Coordination

Defense officials emphasized the close synergy between diplomatic and military operations. Briefings covered the current status of the campaign, including ongoing detainee transfers. Participants commended Iraq’s management of detainee facilities and welcomed Syria’s assumption of responsibility for detention centers and displacement camps holding Daesh fighters and their families.

A consistent and pressing theme was the reiterated call for all nations to take responsibility for repatriating their nationals from Iraq and Syria.

A Shared Commitment to Lasting Security

The coalition thanked Iraq for its stewardship and stressed that the transfer of detainees into secure Iraqi custody is fundamental to long-term regional stability. Members unanimously reaffirmed their shared commitment to defeating Daesh in both Iraq and Syria, pledging continued support to the governments in Baghdad and Damascus as they work to secure detainees and prevent any resurgence.

The Riyadh meeting concluded with a clear message: through unified diplomatic and military coordination and a firm commitment to shared responsibilities, the coalition aims to consolidate gains and build a more secure future for the region.

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