Outcomes of the international coalition meeting in Riyadh regarding ISIS detainees
In a significant strategic event reflecting the Kingdom's pivotal role in promoting international peace and security, the Saudi capital, Riyadh, hosted a meeting of political directors from the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. This meeting came at a crucial time to unify global efforts aimed at the final elimination of the terrorist organization's remnants and addressing the complex security and humanitarian challenges left by years of conflict in the region.
Saudi Arabia's role and international efforts to combat terrorism
In their concluding statement, participants expressed their deep appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting this pivotal meeting, commending its ongoing and tireless efforts in supporting regional and international counterterrorism initiatives. This meeting builds upon the Kingdom's long history of commitment to combating extremist ideology and cutting off the sources of terrorism. Riyadh has been a founding and active partner in the international coalition since its inception, dedicating its political and security capabilities to ensuring the stability of the region.
Significant developments: Syria joins and an agreement is reached with the Syrian Democratic Forces
The meeting, held on February 9, 2026, and co-chaired by His Excellency Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, and Ambassador Tom Barrack, the United States Special Envoy to Syria, witnessed significant geopolitical shifts in the coalition's work. Participants welcomed the comprehensive agreement reached between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which includes a permanent ceasefire and arrangements for integrating civilian and military institutions in northeastern Syria.
In a move reflecting a fundamental change in regional dynamics, the participants welcomed the Syrian government’s formal accession to the international coalition to defeat ISIS, making it the ninetieth member of this international bloc, and announcing its intention to assume national leadership of efforts to combat the organization on its territory.
The detainees' file: defusing time bombs
The issue of ISIS detainees and their families in camps was a key focus of the talks, given the long-term security threat it poses. Participants discussed the situation in the al-Hol and Roj camps, which house thousands of families of ISIS fighters, emphasizing the need for a fundamental solution to this problem to prevent the emergence of a new generation of extremists.
In this context, the statement emphasized the priority of the “rapid and safe transfer” of ISIS detainees, accelerating the repatriation of third-country nationals, and the dignified reintegration of Syrian families into their communities of origin. Coalition defense officials commended Iraq’s vital role in this matter, praising its capacity to securely detain ISIS fighters and affirming that transferring detainees to Iraqi government custody is a cornerstone of regional security.
Future coordination and commitment to ultimate defeat
The meeting concluded with members reaffirming their unwavering commitment to the enduring defeat of ISIS in both Syria and Iraq. They agreed to continue close coordination between diplomatic and military tracks, and to support Syrian and Iraqi efforts to secure detention facilities and prevent any attempts by the organization to resurge, thereby enhancing the prospects for stability and recovery in liberated areas.
