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The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition concluded a specialized program on conceptual foundations and emerging challenges in preventing and countering violent extremism. Conducted in cooperation with the Royal United Services Institute, the initiative took place at the coalition’s headquarters in Riyadh and wrapped up on September 20, 2026. IMCTC Secretary General Maj. Gen. Pilot Mohammed Al-Moghedi joined representatives from member states for the sessions. The activity forms part of broader efforts to bolster cooperation with international partners in counterterrorism.
According to the coalition, the program is part of efforts to activate its partnership with the United Kingdom and to strengthen cooperation with specialized international institutions. This contributes to developing the capabilities of representatives of member states and enhancing their readiness to address the rapidly evolving patterns, methods of dissemination and financing of extremism. Officials described the exchange of expertise as central to improving responses across the alliance. The program aligns with IMCTC’s focus on practical training for its participants.
Maj. Gen. Pilot Mohammed Al-Moghedi affirmed that investing in building the capacities of representatives of member states and exchanging expertise with specialized international institutions are key pillars for developing more effective and sustainable responses to extremism and terrorism. The secretary general highlighted the value of such collaborative programs during the closing phase. His statement underscored the coalition’s approach to long-term capacity development.
The program addressed the conceptual foundations and drivers of extremism along with the exploitation of digital platforms by extremist groups. It examined patterns of terrorist financing and risks associated with virtual assets in addition to disengagement, rehabilitation and reintegration pathways. The role of strategic communication in countering extremist narratives formed another key topic according to coalition details. Participants engaged with these subjects through structured sessions at the Riyadh center.
The IMCTC which brings together 43 member states was first announced in December 2015 by Saudi Arabia’s then defense minister.
The alliance operates a joint operations center in Riyadh and coordinates efforts against terrorist organizations irrespective of sect or name. Its work adheres to United Nations and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation provisions on terrorism according to coalition overviews. Such background shapes the context for ongoing training initiatives.
Since its establishment the coalition has conducted more than 74 initiatives including 75 specialised training programs that have benefited over 2,400 personnel from member states, a recent IMCTC summary indicated.
These programs cover diverse fields from countering the financing of terrorism to military coordination and ideological interventions. The latest program with the Royal United Services Institute extends this pattern of international collaboration. Comparable activities have taken place both at headquarters and in various member countries throughout recent years.
