U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned of Daesh/ISIS potentially exploiting ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts, urging international partners to enhance security efforts at the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS meeting. With the conclusion of military operations in Iraq planned for September 2025, discussions centered on transitioning responsibilities to the Iraqi government while continuing counterterrorism actions in Syria.
On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a pressing warning regarding the potential for Daesh/ISIS to capitalize on the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Addressing the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in Washington, Blinken emphasized the critical need for international partners to bolster their collective efforts towards ensuring security and stability within the region. In his opening remarks, he stated, “This is a moment of enormous volatility in the Middle East. It is more important than ever that we enhance our efforts to strengthen security and stability, including in Iraq and Syria, and prevent extremists like ISIS from exploiting conflict in the region for their own benefit.” The ministerial meeting was convened against the backdrop of the announcement that the U.S.-led coalition’s military operations against Daesh/ISIS in Iraq will come to a close by the end of September 2025. Blinken underscored the necessity of discussing the transition of operations in Iraq, with an emphasis on granting the Iraqi government increased responsibility to prevent ISIS from maintaining territorial control. He affirmed that the U.S. and its partners would engage with Baghdad to ensure the sustainability of security partnerships. In his remarks, he articulated, “In return, our Iraqi partners will assume greater responsibility for ensuring that Daesh/ISIS cannot protect territory within Iraq’s borders.” Furthermore, Blinken indicated that the United States will persist in its counterterrorism measures in Syria for as long as deemed necessary. He also highlighted the ministerial meeting’s agenda to include discussions on the repatriation of foreign fighters and their families, noting that this represents the “only durable solution [to the] humanitarian and security crisis in northeast Syria.” The Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS was established in September 2014, committed to combatting the terror group in Iraq and Syria, and currently comprises members from approximately 87 countries and organizations, including a notable presence from Türkiye, represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz.
The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have raised significant concerns regarding the resurgence of extremist groups such as Daesh/ISIS. Since its emergence, the coalition formed in 2014 has worked to diminish the influence of ISIS, which has thrived in environments of instability and conflict. The U.S. has led efforts to maintain pressure on these groups while simultaneously advocating for regional governments to assume greater roles in their own security. Through international collaboration, the coalition aims to stabilize regions affected by extremist violence and address the humanitarian crises that follow. With the conclusion of military operations in Iraq by September 2025, the focus is shifting towards ensuring local governments can sustain the security necessary to prevent the resurgence of groups like ISIS.
In conclusion, Secretary Blinken’s address underscores an urgent call for enhanced international cooperation to mitigate the threat posed by Daesh/ISIS in the Middle East. As the coalition prepares for the transition of military operations in Iraq, there is an imperative to empower local authorities to manage their security effectively. Through concerted efforts and dialogue, the global community seeks to address not only the military challenges but also the underlying humanitarian crises associated with these conflicts. The commitment to counterterrorism activities in Syria and the repatriation of foreign fighters remains a critical component of the strategy to ensure lasting stability in the region.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
