In a significant step towards regional stability, Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and Jordan have committed to a unified and strategic partnership aimed at eradicating the Islamic State (ISIS) from the Middle East. This new alliance, announced by Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, marks a coordinated effort among these key nations to counter the resurgence of ISIS following the political transition in Syria after former President Bashar al-Assad’s departure in December.
Thousands of ISIS militants remain incarcerated in prisons located across northeastern Syria, managed by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Turkey, which designates the SDF and its affiliate YPG militia as terrorist organisations, has insisted on transferring control of these detention facilities to Syria’s newly established government—a move supported by Ankara’s ongoing commitment to fight both ISIS and Kurdish militant groups.
Speaking to Turkey’s Anadolu news agency, Minister Fidan confirmed that the four countries have reached an initial agreement to deepen collaboration across their foreign ministries, defense sectors, and intelligence agencies. The coalition aims to strengthen border security measures and coordinate intelligence-sharing and military operations to dismantle ISIS networks effectively. Details regarding the timeline for the alliance’s first formal meeting are yet to be disclosed.
This diplomatic momentum was further highlighted during a high-profile meeting on February 4 in Ankara, where Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted Syria’s newly elected president, Ahmed Al-Sarraj. Discussions centred on counter terrorism strategies against Kurdish militant factions and advancing regional security cooperation.
Additionally, Turkey’s Ministry of Defence spokesperson Zeki Akterk announced that Turkey, Syria, and Jordan will jointly spearhead an intelligence-driven and military campaign to expunge ISIS from Syrian territory. This trilateral initiative underscores a unified resolve to eradicate the extremist threat that has long destabilised the region.
This alliance represents the fourth major coalition formed to defeat ISIS in Syria, succeeding previous efforts led by the United States, Iran, and Russia. Despite the considerable resources and strategic initiatives invested in those earlier alliances, none have fully succeeded in eliminating ISIS. The current coalition is thus seen as a critical and promising development in the ongoing battle against terrorism in the Middle East.
