International Coalition discusses support for Syria, Iraq against ISIS

The Global Coalition against ISIS held an extraordinary meeting at the level of political directors and senior diplomatic officials, co-chaired by the United States, to discuss security developments in Syria and Iraq and the future of international cooperation to prevent ISIS mercenaries from rebuilding their capabilities.

The U.S. Department of State said in a statement that participants discussed the period following the end of the mandate of Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, affirming the continuation of international efforts to prevent ISIS mercenaries from rebuilding their capabilities in Syria and Iraq.

Participants congratulated Syria and Iraq on what they described as the success of Inherent Resolve efforts in weakening ISIS, saying the end of the operation’s mandate in Iraq was the result of the Coalition’s collective efforts, alongside the Iraqi government’s continued assumption of responsibility for preventing ISIS from rebuilding its capabilities.

Regarding Syria, participants stressed that achieving sustainable security requires supporting state institutions and strengthening their capabilities to confront ISIS mercenaries, while addressing the grievances and divisions the group previously exploited, ensuring the representation and protection of different communities, and enabling their equal participation in shaping the country’s future.

The Coalition renewed its commitment to supporting stability in Syria and Iraq, stressing that international assistance should focus on strengthening the two countries’ capabilities to combat ISIS and continuing to address conditions that the group could exploit to rebuild its influence.

According to the U.S. statement, Coalition members pledged more than $75 million to support counterterrorism needs in Syria, strengthen detention capabilities, sustain health and sanitation services, and support displaced and detained populations in Syria and Iraq.

Coalition members also expressed their readiness to work closely with the Syrian and Iraqi governments to achieve these goals, while Iraq reaffirmed its commitment to continuing to play a leading role in efforts to defeat ISIS mercenaries.

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ANHA