Senior military leaders from countries in the Global Coalition against ISIS came together in Bahrain for the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)-led Combined Force Commanders’ Conference (CFC) on February 1-2.
The conference provided an important opportunity for the Chiefs of Joint Operations (CJO) from 13 nations—including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, The Netherlands, and USCENTCOM—to discuss the ongoing global efforts to defeat ISIS and assess the group’s current threat level worldwide.
The Coalition’s mission began in 2014, sparked by a meeting on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Wales, where 13 nations formed the foundation for anti-ISIS forces in Iraq and Syria. Today, the Global Coalition against ISIS is a powerful alliance of 87 nations from every continent, working together to weaken ISIS, stop its spread, and prevent foreign fighters from joining the cause.
The mission also focuses on regional stabilization, with the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) providing guidance, support, and specialized capabilities to partner forces. As the mission evolves, the Coalition is committed to ensuring Iraq remains secure, stable, and sovereign.
Beyond ISIS, leaders at the conference also discussed the changing situation in Syria, the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Gaza situation, and updates on the Iran-backed Houthis in the Red Sea region.
Gen. Kurilla emphasized the vital role of the Coalition’s partnerships:
“Our coalition partners are key to strengthening our fight against ISIS. Through joint operations, training, and close cooperation, we’ve made great strides in our efforts. But there’s still more work ahead, and the CFC continues to be an essential space to keep pushing forward.”
