US, Italy Lead ISIS Coalition Meeting on Iraq, Syria

ROME — Italy and the United States co-chaired a meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS/Daesh in Rome on October 1, bringing together political directors and senior diplomatic officials to discuss counterterrorism efforts in Iraq and Syria. Coalition partners congratulated Iraq and Syria on what they described as progress in degrading ISIS/Daesh and reaffirmed their commitment to preventing the group from rebuilding its capabilities.

The meeting came as the mandate of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) in Iraq has ended. Coalition participants described the conclusion of the mission’s mandate as reflecting the combined efforts of coalition members and the Iraqi government’s commitment to preventing an ISIS resurgence.

In Syria, coalition members welcomed what they described as cooperation from authorities in Damascus in confronting the ISIS threat. Participants said lasting security in both Iraq and Syria would depend on strengthening inclusive and sovereign state institutions capable of representing and protecting all communities.

The coalition also reaffirmed its role in supporting stability in Iraq and Syria. Participants said international assistance should focus on strengthening the two countries’ capacity to conduct counterterrorism operations while addressing grievances and divisions that ISIS has historically exploited.

Coalition members expressed readiness to work with the Iraqi and Syrian governments on those priorities. They also announced commitments totaling more than $75 million to support counterterrorism needs in Syria, increase detention capacity, maintain health and sanitation services, and assist displaced and detained populations in both countries.

The Syrian government outlined its key counterterrorism priorities and areas where it needs international assistance, while Iraq reaffirmed its continuing leadership role in efforts to defeat ISIS/Daesh.

The meeting reflects the coalition’s continuing emphasis on counterterrorism cooperation and partner capacity-building beyond major battlefield operations. The United States has previously described the Global Coalition’s work as extending beyond military operations to areas including counterterrorism financing, foreign terrorist fighters, stabilization and preventing the resurgence of ISIS.