Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS: Madrid Meeting

The Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS convened in Madrid, reaffirming its commitment to counter ISIS/Daesh globally.

The meeting focused on enhancing efforts to disrupt terrorist travel, operational planning, financial networks, and recruitment.

Members emphasized addressing security risks in Syria and welcomed Uzbekistan as a new member for its leadership against the ISIS-Khorasan threat.

Strengthening Global Efforts

The recent meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in Madrid highlighted the ongoing commitment of member nations to combat terrorism worldwide.

The coalition’s focus was on disrupting terrorist activities by targeting travel routes, operational strategies, financial networks, and recruitment processes. This collaborative effort aims to mitigate the global threat posed by ISIS/Daesh.

During the meeting, members underscored the importance of addressing security risks associated with detained fighters and displaced persons in Syria.

By working on these critical areas, the coalition seeks to prevent further destabilization in regions affected by ISIS/Daesh activities.

International Collaboration

• Uzbekistan joined as a new member, recognized for its leadership against ISIS-Khorasan.
• Nigeria participated in discussions on countering affiliates in sub-Saharan Africa.
• INTERPOL hosted the inaugural meeting of the Terrorist Travel Working Group.
• The United Kingdom and Türkiye led efforts within the ISIS-Khorasan Province Diplomatic Grouping.

Implications for U.S. Interests

The United States plays a pivotal role within the Global Coalition, represented by Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism Gregory D. LoGerfo.

Enhanced international cooperation through this coalition can significantly bolster U.S. national security by disrupting terrorist networks and preventing potential external attacks on American soil.

This strengthened partnership with countries like Uzbekistan and Nigeria may also enhance U.S. influence in regions critical to counterterrorism efforts.

Additionally, disrupting terrorist financing networks is vital for protecting global economic stability and safeguarding U.S. economic interests abroad.

The Full Statement by the US and Spain

“The Kingdom of Spain hosted a meeting of senior diplomatic officials from the Small Group of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS/Daesh today in Madrid.  Spanish Deputy Minister of Foreign and Global Affairs Diego Martínez Belío opened the meeting and emphasized the importance of countering ISIS/Daesh globally.

Director General of Foreign and Security Policy Alberto Ucelay and United States Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism Gregory D. LoGerfo co-chaired the single-day meeting that reaffirmed Coalition members’ commitment to enhance collective efforts to disrupt foreign terrorist travel, operational planning, financial support networks, and recruitment efforts.

The members addressed the ISIS/Daesh security risks in Syria, including those associated with detained ISIS/Daesh fighters and civilians in displaced persons camps in the northeast.

They affirmed the Coalition’s continuing commitment to counter ISIS/Daesh in post-Assad Syria, including through increased border security and information sharing and the return and repatriation of Syrians, Iraqis, and third country nationals to their communities and countries of origin.

The members prioritized disruption of ISIS/Daesh travel and its capability to carry out external attacks.  They welcomed the creation of the Coalition’s Terrorist Travel Working Group and its inaugural meeting hosted by INTERPOL May 27-28, noting the importance of ensuring alignment of foreign counterterrorism policy and international law enforcement efforts.

Members welcomed the incorporation of lines of effort from the United Kingdom and Türkiye-led ISIS-Khorasan Province Diplomatic Grouping to the Coalition.

They welcomed Uzbekistan as the newest member of the Coalition and lauded its invaluable leadership in addressing the ISIS-Khorasan threat before it reaches the United States, Europe, and other regions.

African members of the Coalition urged regional initiatives to counter ISIS/Daesh affiliates in sub-Saharan Africa.  Nigeria addressed areas of cooperation with the Coalition to disrupt financial support networks and counter terrorist travel among sub-regions on the continent.

To confront changing ISIS/Daesh operations and stymie recruitment efforts, the Coalition assessed how to mitigate emerging threats from the use of the internet and to understand and leverage new technologies for counter terrorist purposes.

The Coalition considered operationalizing best practices, including reducing terrorist radicalization in diaspora communities.

The delegations endorsed the necessary re-structure of the D-ISIS Coalition in order to effectively counter the ISIS/Daesh threat.

This includes revising working group mechanisms to counter terrorist travel, disrupt terrorist financial networks, prevent terrorist recruitment, and regionally focused groups for Syria and Iraq, Central Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa.

This structure will enable maximum effectiveness in our efforts to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS/Daesh.”

Bottom Line

The Global Coalition’s adaptability in response to evolving threats underscores its strategic importance in combating terrorism worldwide.

By incorporating new members like Uzbekistan and creating specialized working groups, such as those focused on terrorist travel, the coalition demonstrates a proactive approach toward ensuring global security and stability amidst changing terrorist strategies.

Sources: U.S. Department of State.

Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.