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The US-led international coalition against Daesh formally welcomed Syria as its 90th member during a meeting Monday in Riyadh, marking a significant expansion of the alliance formed to combat the extremist group.
Coalition members emphasized their commitment to collaborate with the Syrian government and urged direct support for counter-terrorism efforts in both Syria and Iraq, according to a joint US-Saudi statement released after the gathering. The statement noted Syria's intention to take national leadership in anti-Daesh operations while recognizing the role of Syrian Democratic Forces in fighting the militant group.
The coalition welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement between the Syrian government and YPG/SDF forces, as well as plans for civil and military integration in northeast Syria. The Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh, established in 2014, has conducted military operations against the extremist organization across Syria and Iraq.
The Riyadh meeting brought together senior diplomatic and defense officials from the coalition's Small Group, including Saudi Vice Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji and US Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack.
Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani held separate talks with Barrack on the sidelines of the main session, though Syria's Foreign Ministry did not disclose details of their discussion. Al-Shaibani traveled to Riyadh on Sunday with Syrian intelligence chief Hussein al-Salama to participate in the meetings.
Syria officially joined the coalition last November after President Ahmad al-Sharaa visited the White House, formalizing the country's participation in the multinational effort against Daesh. The coalition statement expressed that members "underscored their readiness to work closely with the Syrian government and encouraged members to provide direct support to Syrian and Iraqi efforts."
The coalition now spans 90 members across Africa, the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East, along with five international institutions including the Arab League, European Union, NATO, INTERPOL, and CEN-SAD.
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