10/02/2026
Syria Joins Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS: Joint U.S.-Saudi Statement Welcomes Agreement with SDF
Riyadh – February 10, 2026
The governments of the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued a joint statement following Riyadh's hosting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Small Group meeting, announcing major strategic developments regarding the Syrian file. The meeting, co-chaired by Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khereiji and U.S. Envoy Tom Barrack, witnessed broad a welcome for the Syrian government officially becoming the 90th member of the International Coalition, praising its declared intent to assume national leadership of counter-ISIS efforts on its territory.
Participants welcomed the comprehensive agreement concluded between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which includes a permanent ceasefire and arrangements for civil and military integration in northeast Syria, expressing appreciation for the sacrifices made by the SDF in confronting the organization. The statement also affirmed the Coalition's support for Damascus's steps in assuming responsibility for detention facilities and displaced persons' camps, emphasizing the necessity for countries to repatriate their citizens—ISIS fighters and their families—from the Al-Hol and Roj camps, and ensuring the transfer of detainees and the reintegration of families into their home communities with dignity.
Coalition defense officials highlighted the close coordination between diplomatic and military tracks, affirming the commitment of Coalition members to work side-by-side with the Syrian government and provide direct support to its efforts and those of the Iraqi government to ensure a sustainable defeat of the organization. The statement praised Iraq's leadership in the campaign, considering that the assumption of responsibility by Damascus and Baghdad for detainee files represents a fundamental pillar of regional security. This paves the way for a new phase of direct international coordination with the Syrian government to ensure regional stability and prevent the resurgence of terrorist threats.
Photo - FB / U.S. Embassy Syria