Islamic Military Coalition conveys message of determination against terrorism

The meeting of the Islamic Military Coalition to Combat Terrorism, attended by 40 Muslim countries in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, was held for the first time at the ministerial level yesterday. Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince bin Selman who made the opening speech announced that they would act jointly in sharing military activities and intelligence. National Defense Minister Canikli who also delivered a speech said “terrorist threats will never be tolerated”.

The first high-level meeting of the “Islamic Military Coalition to Combat Terrorism” formed by 40 Muslim countries led by Saudi Arabia, was held in Saudi capital Riyadh yesterday. The coalition, which was created in 2015, had not held a meeting on this scale so far. The meeting took place at the level of defense ministers. The opening speech of the meeting was made by the Prince of Saudi Crown Prince and Defense Minister Mohammed bin Selman.

The alliance under the leadership of the Saudi leadership does not include the countries that make up the Shiite axis, such as Iran, Iraq and Syria. Qatar, though formally allied, did not send representatives to the meeting because of the crisis with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. The Qatar flag was not included in the meeting. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed condemned the terrorist attack on the Sufi mosque in Egypt, “Since the past terrorism has been active in all of our countries. There was no coordination between us. With this alliance, this situation is ending now, “he said.

The crown prince, who said the sending countries sent an “open signal” stated that these countries would support each other in military, financial and political terms, sharing intelligence with each other. “The greatest threat of terrorism and extremism is not only the killing of innocents and the spread of hatred, but also the distortion of our religion’s reputation and distorting our faith,” said Prince bin Selman, who noted that the attack in Egypt was very painful. The meeting is also considered as part of Saudi Arabia’s effort to form a front against the rival Iran in the region.