Islamic Military Coalition boosts member states’ anti-extremism skills through new UK partnership

The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition on Tuesday concluded its program, “Conceptual Foundations and Emerging Challenges in Preventing and Countering Extremism,” held at the coalition’s headquarters in Riyadh with representatives from member states and Secretary-General Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi in attendance.

The program was organized in cooperation with the UK’s Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies, as part of efforts to strengthen the partnership between the coalition and the United Kingdom and to enhance collaboration with specialized international organizations.

Program focus and objectives

The program covered conceptual foundations and drivers of extremism, the exploitation of digital platforms by extremist groups, patterns of terrorist financing, and risks associated with virtual assets. It also addressed pathways for disengagement, rehabilitation and reintegration, as well as the role of strategic communication in countering extremist narratives.

The program included a group exercise that enabled participants to apply analytical tools to scenarios simulating real-world challenges, along with a review of outcomes, lessons learned, and the importance of ongoing development of specialized competencies.

Strengthening cooperation and capacity building

Maj. Gen. Al-Moghedi stressed that investing in the capacity building of member state representatives and exchanging expertise with international organizations are key to developing more effective and sustainable responses to extremism and terrorism. He noted the coalition’s commitment to expanding international partnerships to meet member states’ needs and support their national efforts.

The program reflects the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition’s commitment to combating terrorism by building capabilities, strengthening international partnerships, and adopting a comprehensive and sustainable approach that combines intellectual prevention, countering terrorist financing, addressing digital threats, and supporting rehabilitation and reintegration pathways.