US, Italy Lead Coalition Talks On ISIS Threat In Iraq, Syria, Pledge Over $75million | Sahara Reporters

The coalition also welcomed the Syrian government’s willingness to cooperate with international partners in combating the extremist group, noting that Damascus recognises the threat posed by ISIS.

The United States and Italy have co-chaired a meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS/Daesh in Rome, where member countries pledged more than $75 million to strengthen counterterrorism operations, detention facilities and humanitarian support in Iraq and Syria.

The meeting, held on October 1, 2026, brought together political directors and senior diplomatic officials from coalition member countries to discuss strategies to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), also known as Daesh, and strengthen security in the two Middle Eastern countries.

According to a statement by the US Department of State, Italy hosted and co-chaired the meeting alongside the United States, with coalition partners congratulating Iraq and Syria on the progress made in degrading ISIS through Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR).

“The ending of OIR’s mandate in Iraq represents true victory of the collective efforts of the Coalition and the resolve of the Iraqi government to continue its responsibility to ensure the group cannot regenerate,” the statement said.

The coalition also welcomed the Syrian government’s willingness to cooperate with international partners in combating the extremist group, noting that Damascus recognises the threat posed by ISIS.

“In Syria, we celebrate the Coalition having a partner in Damascus that recognizes the ISIS/Daesh threat and is determined to work with the Coalition to diminish it,” the statement added.

The US government stressed that lasting peace and security in both countries would depend on building inclusive state institutions capable of protecting citizens and representing different communities.

“Lasting security in both countries will depend on strengthening inclusive, sovereign state institutions capable of representing and protecting all communities who can equally partake in their country’s future,” it stated.

Coalition members also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Iraq and Syria in strengthening their security institutions and developing the capacity to identify, disrupt and dismantle ISIS networks.

The statement said international assistance should focus on improving both countries’ counterterrorism capabilities while addressing the grievances and divisions that the extremist group has historically exploited to expand its influence.

“Coalition partners reaffirmed the Coalition’s role as a tool for strengthening Iraq and Syria’s stability and that international support should focus on enhancing both countries’ abilities to develop their capacity to target ISIS/Daesh and to prevent the grievances and divisions that ISIS/Daesh has historically exploited,” the statement said.

As part of the renewed commitment, coalition members announced financial pledges exceeding $75 million to support Syria’s counterterrorism needs, expand detention capacity and sustain essential health and sanitation services in Iraq and Syria.

The funding will also support displaced and detained populations in both countries, as part of broader efforts to address humanitarian challenges linked to the conflict.

“The Government of Syria highlighted key counterterrorism priorities and gaps for international support and Iraq reaffirmed its ongoing leadership to defeat ISIS/Daesh,” the statement added.

The meeting underscored the coalition’s continued focus on preventing ISIS from rebuilding its operational capabilities following the loss of its territorial strongholds in Iraq and Syria.

ISIS, which once controlled large swathes of territory across both countries, has continued to pose security challenges through remaining networks and cells, prompting sustained international cooperation to prevent its resurgence.

The coalition said its renewed engagement with the Iraqi and Syrian governments would focus on strengthening national security capabilities, supporting stability and addressing conditions that could enable the extremist group to regain influence.