DAMASCUS, Feb. 9 (SANA) – Member states of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS convene Monday in Riyadh, with Syria participating for the first time since the coalition’s formation in 2014, marking a significant shift in regional and international counterterrorism efforts.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and Head of the General Intelligence Service Hussein al-Salama arrived in the Saudi capital on Sunday to take part in the meeting. Syrian officials are expected to outline Damascus’ approach to counterterrorism and review measures taken in recent years to dismantle ISIS networks.
Syria joined the coalition as its 90th member in November 2025, following President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s visit to Washington and his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The visit resulted in a political cooperation declaration, without military commitments, positioning Syria as a partner in efforts aimed at combating ISIS and supporting regional stability.
Following the step, the Foreign Ministry reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to preventing ISIS from re-establishing safe havens on its territory and to continuing operations against the group’s remaining cells. Damascus also called on the United States and coalition members to support these efforts as part of broader measures to protect civilians and restore security.
U.S. officials have said that strengthening partnerships within the coalition, alongside cooperation with states aligned with Syria’s new government, would contribute to enhanced efforts against ISIS. They noted that such coordination has supported operations targeting the group’s cells and logistical networks.
Observers note that while ISIS no longer controls territory, the threat has shifted toward sleeper cells and dispersed extremist networks. This has increased the importance of intelligence sharing, border monitoring, and disrupting financial and logistical support channels—areas in which Syrian authorities say coordination has intensified.
International partners increasingly emphasize that long-term stability in the Middle East requires a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy that combines security measures with reconstruction, economic recovery, and stronger state institutions, areas where Syria’s geographic position and political role remain central.
Syrian officials have repeatedly stressed that ongoing terrorist attacks highlight the necessity of deeper international engagement and a proactive Syrian role in global counterterrorism efforts. Damascus says it remains committed to combating ISIS in coordination with coalition partners to safeguard the security of Syria, the region, and the wider international community.
