Global Coalition praises SDF sacrifices in fight against ISIS
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Senior diplomatic and defense officials from the U.S.-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS expressed on Monday their appreciation for the sacrifices made by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the fight against the group, while welcoming the agreement reached between the Syrian transitional government and the SDF.
On Monday, Saudi Arabia hosted a meeting of senior diplomatic and defense officials from the Coalition, with Syria participating for the first time.
The remarks came in a joint statement issued by the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the meeting.
According to the statement, Coalition members reaffirmed their “shared commitment to defeating ISIS/Daesh in Iraq and Syria” and pledged to continue supporting both governments in securing ISIS detainees.
Participants also expressed their appreciation to Saudi Arabia for its continued role in supporting regional and international counterterrorism efforts and promoting stability.
The meeting was chaired by Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed A. Elkhereiji and Tom Barrack, the United States ambassador to Turkey.
The statement noted that participants “welcomed the comprehensive agreement between the Government of Syria and the Syrian Democratic Forces, including the permanent ceasefire and arrangements for the civil and military integration of northeast Syria.”
It added that attendees expressed “appreciation for the sacrifices made by the Syrian Democratic Forces in the fight against ISIS/Daesh,” and thanked the Iraqi government for its continued leadership in the campaign to defeat the group.
The meeting reaffirmed key priorities, including the rapid transfer and protection of ISIS detainees, their repatriation to their home countries or third countries, the dignified reintegration of families from the Hawl and Roj camps into their original communities, and continued coordination with Damascus and Baghdad regarding the future of the anti-ISIS campaign in Syria and Iraq.
Participants also welcomed Syria’s accession as the 90th member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, with Coalition members affirming their readiness to work closely with the Syrian transitional government and encouraging direct support for Syrian and Iraqi efforts.
For their part, Coalition defense officials emphasized close coordination between diplomatic and military efforts. Participants received briefings on the ongoing anti-ISIS campaign, including continued detainee transfer operations.
Officials further praised Iraq’s efforts in securely detaining ISIS militants and welcomed Syria’s assumption of responsibility for detention centers and displacement camps housing ISIS militants and their family members.