Coalition against ISIS welcomes Syria’s membership, pledges support for its efforts

The Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS has welcomed Syria as its newest member and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts to defeat the group in Syria and Iraq, according to a joint statement issued Monday by the United States and Saudi Arabia.

The statement followed a meeting in Saudi Arabia of senior diplomatic and defense officials from the coalition, who said Syria had joined as the group’s 90th member. Participants said they were prepared to work with the Syrian government as part of the campaign against ISIS.

The coalition reiterated its focus on dismantling the group’s remaining networks, including through the secure detention and transfer of ISIS fighters and the repatriation of detainees to their home countries or third states. The statement also highlighted plans for the reintegration of families from the al-Hol and Roj camps into their communities and continued coordination with Syria and Iraq on the next phase of the anti-ISIS campaign.

Officials emphasized coordination between diplomatic and military efforts, noting Iraq’s role in holding ISIS fighters in custody and welcoming Syria’s move to assume responsibility for detention facilities and displacement camps housing ISIS members and their families. The statement again called on countries to repatriate their citizens from Iraq and Syria.

The coalition also welcomed a broader agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), including provisions for a permanent ceasefire and the integration of the SDF into state institutions, citing the Syrian government’s stated intention to take national leadership of counter-ISIS efforts.

Participants thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting the meeting and for its role in supporting regional and international counterterrorism initiatives.

Syria’s Foreign Ministry said last month that Damascus remains committed to combating ISIS and preventing the group from establishing safe havens on Syrian territory, calling on the United States and other coalition members to support those efforts.

SANA