Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, Christopher P. Maier, hosted the Defeat ISIS Coalition Political-Military Consultations at U.S. Africa Command Headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, on December 10. The meeting included representatives from 24 member nations of the Coalition's defense component. They reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regional stability and security through unity and cooperation.
The consultations were a follow-up to decisions made at the Coalition Defense Ministers' meeting in Brussels in October. Discussions focused on the evolving situation in Syria and its potential impact on efforts to ensure ISIS's defeat.
W. Alan Matney, U.S. Defense Coordinator for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, stated, “Our longstanding and trusted relationships with Coalition partners, and our ongoing communication with one another, help us collectively navigate rapidly changing dynamics in the region.” He added that the meeting was an opportunity for partners to discuss how developments in Syria could affect their mission.
The discussions highlighted continued global pressure by the Coalition and emphasized ongoing communication as essential for navigating regional dynamics. There is a growing focus on West Africa as identified during NATO discussions.
The situation in Syria presents new challenges and opportunities for preventing an ISIS resurgence. Senior defense leaders stressed recurring engagements to maintain effective communication within this dynamic environment.
Efforts also centered on adapting the Coalition's defense strategy to support civilian-led initiatives against ISIS affiliates. Members emphasized whole-of-government approaches involving law enforcement, border security, and stabilization experts.
Coalition members agreed that local partners should lead regional efforts due to their insights into effectively countering ISIS affiliates. Strategies were discussed for engaging these local partners effectively.
Trust among Coalition partners remains a strategic asset after more than a decade of collaboration against shared threats like ISIS. Collective action is seen as crucial in addressing vulnerabilities that individual governments might face alone.
