By Noureddine Omar | 2026-02-21

The Global Coalition to Defeat the "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS) has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining international efforts to eliminate ISIS.

This declaration was made at the Global Coalition's Small Group meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 9, 2026, attended by diplomats and defense officials.

Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, the Small Group welcomed the new Syrian government as the 90th member of the Global Coalition against ISIS.

The participants expressed approval for the comprehensive agreement that includes a permanent ceasefire and arrangements for civil and military integration of northeastern Syria.

They noted the Syrian government's stated intention to assume national leadership of counter-ISIS efforts.

Participants also expressed their gratitude to the Iraqi government for its continued leadership in the campaign to defeat the extremist group.

"The inclusion of Syria, with its specialized forces for combating ISIS, in the international coalition is an excellent step, as combining this expertise will create a special force capable of effective action," military expert and terror groups specialist Yahya Mohammed Ali told Al-Fassel.

Permanent ceasefire arrangements

The Syrian government's permanent ceasefire agreement will bolster security, launch social, political, and military integration, and solidify the Syrian front.

"Completing the fight against terrorism requires strengthening internal fronts to ensure the smooth transfer of ISIS detainees to Iraq and resolve cases for families detained in Syria's al-Hol and Roj camps," Ali said.

Relations between the Syrian and Iraqi governments are witnessing a significant boost in security cooperation, particularly regarding ISIS members and securing their shared borders.

Reintegrating families from al-Hol, Roj camps

A key aspect of the ISIS challenge is that of the families held in the al-Hol and Roj camps in Syria.

"The issue of the families, particularly women and children, requires careful handling and efforts to provide psychological and social support for their reintegration into society," said Cairo University sociology professor Dr. Basma Hosni.

Given that most of these families are from Syria and Iraq, civil society involvement, especially tribal leaders, will be crucial.

Their role is to deter and prevent the spread of extremist ideologies, particularly among children brainwashed by ISIS indoctrination.

The Iraqi government has played a significant role in several previous releases of Iraqi families from the two camps.

"To avoid wasting time and to expedite the process, we can benefit from the past experiences of those who have already executed this process -- such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the Coalition forces that secured the camps," Hosni said.