US, ITALY LEAD GLOBAL COALITION TALKS ON ISIS THREAT IN IRAQ, SYRIA, PLEDGE OVER $75M
The United States and Italy have co-chaired a meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS/Daesh, with member countries pledging more than $75 million to strengthen counterterrorism efforts and humanitarian support in Iraq and Syria.
The meeting was held in Rome on October 1, 2026, bringing together political directors and senior diplomatic officials from coalition member countries to discuss measures aimed at preventing the resurgence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, commonly known as ISIS or Daesh.
Italy hosted and co-chaired the meeting alongside the United States as the coalition reviewed the security situation in both countries and discussed ways to strengthen their capacity to confront remaining ISIS networks.
The coalition partners welcomed what they described as progress made by Iraq and Syria in degrading ISIS through Operation Inherent Resolve, the international campaign against the extremist group.
The meeting came shortly after the United States completed the withdrawal of its military forces from Iraq on September 30, bringing an end to the American military presence there under the previous coalition mission. U.S. officials said support for Iraq would continue through areas including training and intelligence cooperation.
According to the joint statement issued by the United States and Italy, coalition members described the end of Operation Inherent Resolve’s mandate in Iraq as a result of collective international efforts and the Iraqi government’s commitment to preventing ISIS from rebuilding its capabilities.
The coalition also welcomed the Syrian government’s willingness to cooperate with international partners in addressing the ISIS threat. Participants said Damascus recognises the danger posed by the group and is prepared to work with the coalition to reduce it.
The coalition stressed that long-term security in Iraq and Syria would require stronger and more inclusive state institutions capable of protecting different communities and ensuring their participation in the future of their countries.
Member countries also reaffirmed their commitment to helping the Iraqi and Syrian governments develop the capacity to identify, disrupt and dismantle ISIS networks.
The coalition said international assistance should not focus solely on military and security operations but should also address grievances and divisions that ISIS has historically exploited to expand its influence.
As part of the renewed international commitment, coalition members announced financial pledges exceeding $75 million. The funds are expected to support Syria’s counterterrorism requirements, increase detention capacity and sustain health and sanitation services in both Iraq and Syria.
The financial support will also assist displaced and detained populations in the two countries, reflecting the humanitarian dimension of the coalition’s efforts alongside its counterterrorism objectives.
The Syrian government presented its counterterrorism priorities and identified areas where additional international support is needed, while Iraq reaffirmed its continued leadership in efforts to defeat ISIS.
The coalition’s renewed engagement comes as international governments continue to monitor the possibility of ISIS remnants rebuilding their operational capabilities after losing the large territories they once controlled in Iraq and Syria.
Although ISIS no longer controls the extensive territory it once held, remaining networks and cells continue to pose security concerns, prompting continued cooperation among Iraq, Syria and international partners.
The recent U.S. withdrawal from Iraq has also shifted the structure of the international counter-ISIS mission. Reuters reported that U.S. forces relocated to Jordan, where the mission will continue to focus on ISIS militants in Syria, while Iraq assumes greater responsibility for its own internal security.
Street News Reporters reports that the Rome meeting represents a renewed effort by the international coalition to maintain pressure on ISIS while supporting Iraq and Syria in strengthening their security institutions and addressing humanitarian challenges.
The coalition’s financial commitments and continued cooperation with both governments are expected to form part of broader efforts to prevent ISIS from exploiting security weaknesses and social divisions to regain influence in the region.
