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OPEN CHRONICLE | Global Security Update
By Open Chronicle Staff with Agencies
RIYADH – Political directors from the 90-member Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS gathered in the Saudi capital on Monday, marking a pivotal moment in regional security cooperation. The high-level summit, chaired by Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji, aims to address the persistent threat of terror cells in the Middle East and solidify military coordination among member states.
The one-day meeting comes at a critical juncture for the region. Among the notable attendees are Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani and U.S. envoy to Syria Tom Barrack. Their presence highlights a significant shift in the coalition’s landscape; Syria, once a primary theater of conflict where the government was excluded from coalition efforts, formally joined the international alliance last November following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime.
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Today the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS gathers in Riyadh for high-level talks on security coordination and counter-terrorism, with Syria at the center of gravity.
The discussion reflects a new reality in the northeast. With the post-SDF phase unfolding and… pic.twitter.com/T3YuwZdKW3
— 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢 (@ColdBrief) February 9, 2026
A Focus on Vigilance According to reports from Saudi outlet Al-Ekhbariya, the primary agenda focuses on assessing the remaining “sleeper cell” threats in Iraq and Syria. While the territorial “caliphate” was dismantled years ago, officials warned that the ideological and insurgent remnants of the group continue to pose a risk to global stability.
“The discussions are centered on preventing a resurgence through enhanced intelligence sharing and military coordination,” the Saudi delegation noted.
The New Syrian Context The meeting serves as a debut for the new Syrian administration on the international stage. Since taking power in late 2024, the transitional government in Damascus has prioritized national security and sought to reintegrate into the international community. The arrival of Foreign Minister Shaibani and intelligence chief Hussein al-Salama in Riyadh signals a commitment to collaborative counter-terrorism efforts that were previously impossible under the old regime.
Looking Ahead As the summit concludes, a joint statement is expected to outline a roadmap for the coming year, emphasizing the stabilization of liberated areas and the legal prosecution of detained foreign fighters.
For the international community, the Riyadh meeting is a reminder that while the war against ISIS has changed its form, the necessity for a unified front remains as urgent as ever.