Results of the international coalition meeting in Riyadh regarding ISIS detainees
In a significant strategic event, the Saudi capital, Riyadh, hosted the meeting of political directors of the international coalition to defeat ISIS on February 9, 2026. This meeting was the culmination of the ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to promote regional and international stability. The session was co-chaired by His Excellency the Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister, Engineer Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji, and the United States envoy to Syria, Ambassador Tom Barrack.
Historical context and ongoing efforts to combat terrorism
This meeting comes at a sensitive time for the region, as the remnants of ISIS remain a global security concern despite the group's territorial defeat years ago. Saudi Arabia is a founding and active partner in the international coalition established in 2014, playing a pivotal role in cutting off terrorist financing and combating extremist ideology. The statement issued after the meeting affirms the member states' commitment to preventing the group's resurgence, while focusing on sustainable solutions to outstanding issues, most notably the situation of detainees and their families.
Comprehensive agreement and developments in the Syrian file
In a significant development in the Syrian crisis, the participants in the final statement welcomed the comprehensive agreement reached between the Syrian Arab Republic government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The agreement included crucial provisions for a permanent ceasefire and detailed arrangements for civilian-military integration in northeastern Syria. The statement also highlighted the pivotal step of the Syrian government joining the international coalition as the 90th member, declaring its intention to assume national leadership of the fight against the terrorist organization within its territory. This reflects a shift in the strategy of confronting the terrorist organization and unifying efforts on the ground.
Closing the file on Al-Hol camp and transferring the detainees
The issue of prisons and camps, specifically al-Hol and Roj camps, was a central focus of the discussions. These camps are considered ticking time bombs, both in terms of security and humanitarian concerns, as they house thousands of families of ISIS fighters. In this context, the participants emphasized the priority of the "rapid and safe transfer" of ISIS detainees, praising the leading role of the Republic of Iraq in this matter. An agreement was reached to transfer the detainees to the custody of the Iraqi government, a step the coalition deemed essential for ensuring regional security and preventing any attempts to smuggle these individuals out.
International responsibility and reintegration
The coalition members reiterated their call for countries of origin to uphold their legal and moral responsibilities by repatriating their citizens who are foreign fighters and their families currently in Syria and Iraq. The statement emphasized the need for the dignified reintegration of these families into their communities to ensure they do not become breeding grounds for extremism in the future. Officials also expressed their appreciation for the sacrifices made by the Syrian Democratic Forces in recent years, affirming their continued direct support for Syrian and Iraqi efforts to secure detention facilities and ensure that terrorists do not escape punishment.
