US-led International Coalition meeting in Madrid focuses on ISIS threats and counterterrorism efforts

MADRID — The US-led International Coalition’s Small Group convened in Madrid to address the persistent threats posed by the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria and beyond. The meeting, chaired by Alberto Ucelay, Spain’s Deputy Director-General for Foreign and Security Policy, emphasized the importance of international collaboration in combating the terrorist organization. 

Gregory LoGerfo, the US Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism, and Spanish Deputy Foreign Minister Diego Martínez Belío represented their respective nations, with Martínez Belío highlighting the critical need for sustained global efforts against ISIS. 

Discussions centered on the dangers ISIS continues to pose, particularly to civilians in North and East Syria, where numerous former fighters remain detained in displacement camps. Delegates stressed the importance of reinforcing border security, improving intelligence sharing, and expediting the repatriation of Syrian, Iraqi, and third-country nationals. 

The meeting also explored strategies to disrupt ISIS’s ability to plan international travel and external attacks. Participants praised the establishment of a new Coalition working group focused on tracking terrorist movements, following its inaugural session hosted by INTERPOL in late May. 

A significant area of concern was the terrorist group’s use of the internet and advanced technologies for recruitment and propagating extremist ideology. Delegates underscored the need for a unified and innovative approach to counter these growing digital threats effectively. 

The gathering reinforced the coalition’s commitment to a coordinated and comprehensive strategy to combat ISIS and mitigate its global impact.