Italy and the United States co-chaired a meeting of Political Directors and senior diplomatic officials of the ad-hoc Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS/Daesh in Rome on October 1, 2026, bringing together coalition partners to assess progress in Iraq and Syria and define next steps in the campaign against the group.

A central focus was the conclusion of Operation Inherent Resolve's mandate in Iraq, which coalition partners described as representing the success of collective efforts and the resolve of the Iraqi government. Iraq reaffirmed its ongoing leadership role in defeating ISIS/Daesh and its commitment to preventing the group's regeneration. On Syria, participants welcomed what they described as a partner in Damascus that recognizes the ISIS/Daesh threat and is determined to work with the coalition to diminish it.

Participants reaffirmed that lasting security in both countries depends on building inclusive, sovereign state institutions capable of representing and protecting all communities. The coalition's role was described as a tool for strengthening stability in Iraq and Syria, with international support to focus on enhancing both governments' capacities to target ISIS/Daesh and to address the grievances and divisions the group has historically exploited.

Coalition members announced commitments totaling more than $75 million directed at supporting Syrian counterterrorism needs and, across both countries, increasing detention capacity, sustaining health and sanitation services, and supporting displaced and detained populations. The Government of Syria used the meeting to highlight key counterterrorism priorities and gaps requiring international support, while Iraq's engagement with coalition partners continued to underscore its leadership on the issue.

Coalition members expressed readiness to work closely with both the Syrian and Iraqi governments to advance shared security objectives in the period ahead.

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