Defeat ISIS: Riyadh Meeting Of Political Directors Within The Global Coalition

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosted senior diplomatic and defence representatives in Riyadh from the Small Group of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS/Daesh. Delegates reviewed the Defeat ISIS campaign in Syria and Iraq, welcomed Syria into the coalition, and agreed that handling ISIS detainees, repatriation of nationals, and camp returns remain urgent priorities for regional and international security.

Saudi Vice Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji opened the meeting, which was co-chaired by U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Ambassador Tom Barrack. Participants expressed appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for convening the discussions and for Saudi Arabia’s continuing role in regional counterterrorism efforts and stability. Officials also thanked the Government of Iraq for leading core elements of the Defeat ISIS campaign.

Coalition members reaffirmed key priorities for the Defeat ISIS campaign, placing particular focus on the swift transfer and protection of ISIS detainees held in Syria and Iraq. They underlined the need for third-country repatriation and stressed that families from al-Hol and Roj camps should return to their original communities through safe and dignified reintegration processes supported by national authorities.

Officials highlighted that coordinated diplomatic and military efforts remain central to the Defeat ISIS campaign. Defence representatives described close daily cooperation with diplomats on security, detainee movements, and camp management. Participants received detailed briefings on current counter-ISIS operations, including ongoing detainee transfer processes, and assessed how those transfers interact with long-term stabilisation, justice systems, and humanitarian conditions in affected areas.

Participants welcomed the comprehensive agreement between the Government of Syria and the Syrian Democratic Forces, which includes a permanent ceasefire and mechanisms for integrating civil and military structures in northeast Syria. They noted the Government of Syria’s stated intention to take national leadership of counter-ISIS efforts and expressed appreciation for the sacrifices made by the Syrian Democratic Forces in combatting ISIS/Daesh.

The Government of Syria’s assumption of responsibility for detention centres and displacement camps that house ISIS fighters and family members was welcomed by delegates. Coalition members also noted that Syria has joined as the 90th member of the D-ISIS Coalition. Members underscored readiness to work closely with the Syrian government and urged coalition states to provide direct support for Syrian and Iraqi counter-ISIS efforts.

Officials commended Iraq’s continuing work to securely detain ISIS fighters and emphasised that transferring detainees into Iraqi custody is essential for regional security. Participants reiterated that all countries must take responsibility for their own nationals in Iraq and Syria and proceed with repatriation. They restated their common commitment to defeating ISIS/Daesh in Iraq and Syria and pledged ongoing support to both governments in managing ISIS-affiliated detainees, while again thanking Saudi Arabia for hosting the meeting.

With inputs from SPA