Despite significant territorial losses, the Islamic State (ISIS) remains a persistent threat due to its enduring ideology, according to Alan Matney, the U.S. Department of Defense's coordinator for the International Coalition to Defeat ISIS. In a recent interview, Matney emphasized the evolving nature of the coalition’s mission, transitioning from reclaiming ISIS-held territories to countering the group's covert operations and ideological influence.

Matney acknowledged that while ISIS no longer controls vast regions in Iraq and Syria, its strategy continues to evolve, adapting to new challenges. "The threat adapts and changes; so must we," he stated, noting that ISIS frequently reassesses its tactics to exploit vulnerabilities in its opponents, aiming to stretch their resources thin. The coalition, which began as a military campaign, has adjusted its approach to focus on intelligence sharing and training local security forces in counterterrorism operations.

A key example of this evolution is in Iraq, where local forces have become highly capable in conducting counterterrorism missions. "Their progress has been remarkable," Matney said, also recognizing the effectiveness of local partners in Syria. The coalition’s efforts, he explained, have shifted from direct combat to supporting partner nations, ensuring that they can independently counter ISIS's operations.

With 87 partner nations, the coalition operates with agility and flexibility, a structure Matney praised for its ability to quickly respond to emerging threats. "Every member gets a vote, but nobody gets a veto," he said, highlighting the coalition's unique decision-making process, which stands in contrast to more traditional organizations like the United Nations or NATO.

Matney also drew comparisons to the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, suggesting that the coalition's flexible model could serve as a blueprint for other multinational security efforts. However, he cautioned that this structure may not work in every situation.

Since ISIS's rise in 2014, the group has been responsible for numerous atrocities, including the genocide of the Yazidi people. Though the group's physical caliphate has been dismantled, it continues to operate covertly, posing a significant threat to global security.

Matney’s remarks highlight the continued need for coordinated international efforts to combat terrorism, with the coalition remaining a key player in the fight against ISIS as the nature of the threat evolves.