Antony Blinken warns that Daesh/ISIS may exploit ongoing Middle East conflicts, calling for international partners to enhance security and stability efforts. He emphasizes transitioning operational responsibilities to the Iraqi government and maintaining U.S. counterterrorism actions in Syria. The coalition prepares to conclude the military mission in Iraq by September 2025, amid discussions on the repatriation of foreign fighters.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a significant warning regarding the potential for Daesh/ISIS to exploit the ongoing conflicts within the Middle East to expand their influence and operational capabilities. Speaking at the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS ministerial meeting in Washington, Blinken described the current situation in the region as one of “enormous volatility.” He emphasized the necessity for international partners to bolster their collective efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability, particularly in Iraq and Syria, to mitigate the risk posed by extremist groups like ISIS. Blinken’s remarks came as the coalition prepares to conclude its military mission in Iraq by September 2025. He underscored the urgency of transitioning operational responsibilities to the Iraqi government to ensure it adequately manages the threat from Daesh/ISIS. To this end, he reiterated the importance of sustaining strong security partnerships while holding Iraqi authorities accountable for preventing ISIS from securing territorial gains within the country. Furthermore, Blinken affirmed that U.S. counterterrorism efforts in Syria would persist for as long as necessary and noted the imperative of addressing the repatriation of foreign fighters and their families. He described this issue as critical to resolving the ongoing humanitarian and security crisis in northeastern Syria. The coalition, which comprises representatives from approximately 87 countries and organizations, continues to strategize on the next steps in the campaign against Daesh/ISIS, reflecting a unified international approach to combatting this menace.
The threat of Daesh/ISIS remains a pressing concern amid the unstable geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. Established in September 2014, the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS has been pivotal in coordinating international military and humanitarian responses to counteract the terror group’s influence in Iraq and Syria. With the upcoming conclusion of the coalition’s military operations in Iraq set for September 2025, there is an urgent need to reassess strategies for maintaining regional security and stability. As conflicts continue to rage, the possibility for ISIS to regain strength amplifies the necessity for cohesive international efforts to protect vulnerable regions from extremist exploitation.
In summary, Secretary Antony Blinken’s address at the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS highlights the heightened risks posed by Daesh/ISIS amid ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts. He calls for an enhanced collective commitment to foster security and stability in Iraq and Syria while transitioning operational responsibilities to local governments. The focus on counterterrorism efforts and the repatriation of foreign fighters underscores the multifaceted approach required to address the lingering threat of extremism in the region.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
