Senior military leaders from the Global Coalition against ISIS gathered in Bahrain this week for the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)-hosted Combined Force Commanders’ Conference (CFC). Held from February 1-2, the conference brought together Chiefs of Joint Operations (CJO) from 13 framework nations, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States, to discuss the ongoing global campaign to defeat ISIS and address emerging security challenges in the Middle East.
The CFC serves as a critical forum for coalition partners to assess progress in the fight against ISIS, share intelligence, and coordinate future operations. Since its inception in 2014, the Global Coalition against ISIS has grown to include 87 member nations from every continent, united in their mission to degrade ISIS capabilities, dismantle its networks, and prevent the flow of foreign terrorist fighters across borders.
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General Michael Kurilla, Commander of U.S. Central Command, emphasized the importance of international collaboration in the fight against terrorism.
“Our coalition partners contribute greatly every day to strengthening our warfighting ability against ISIS,” Kurilla said. “Through combined operations centers, exercises, and our partnerships, we have made continued progress in the global campaign to defeat ISIS. But more work remains, and the CFC is a key forum to continue advancing our efforts.”
The conference highlighted the significant strides made by the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR), which advises, assists, and enables partner forces in Iraq and Syria. CJTF-OIR has played a pivotal role in supporting regional stabilization efforts and ensuring the enduring defeat of ISIS.
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However, leaders acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in addressing the evolving threat posed by ISIS affiliates in other regions and preventing the resurgence of the terrorist group in areas where it has been militarily defeated.
In addition to the D-ISIS campaign, the conference addressed several pressing regional security issues, including:
- The evolving situation in Syria, where coalition forces continue to support local partners in maintaining stability and countering ISIS remnants.
- The cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as the ongoing Gaza ceasefire.
- Updates on Iran-backed Houthi activities in Yemen and their impact on regional security, particularly in the Red Sea.
A key focus of the discussions was the coalition’s commitment to ensuring a secure, stable, and sovereign future for Iraq. As the mission transitions from direct combat operations to advisory and support roles, coalition leaders reaffirmed their dedication to helping Iraq build the capacity to defend itself against internal and external threats.
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The CFC concluded with a renewed commitment from all participating nations to continue working together to achieve the enduring defeat of ISIS and address broader regional security challenges. General Kurilla underscored the importance of sustained collaboration, stating, “The fight against ISIS is far from over, but with the strength of our coalition and the dedication of our partners, we will prevail.”
The conference also served as a reminder of the critical role international partnerships play in maintaining global security and stability. As the coalition moves forward, its leaders remain focused on adapting to emerging threats and ensuring that ISIS and other terrorist organizations are unable to regain a foothold in the region.
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