Islamic Military Alliance to Combat Terrorism concludes specialized program in Riyadh on preventing and countering extremism

The Islamic Military Alliance to Combat Terrorism (IMACT), in cooperation with the UK’s Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI), concluded the program “Conceptual Foundations and Emerging Challenges in Preventing and Countering Extremism.” The program was held at the Alliance’s headquarters in Riyadh, with the participation of representatives from member states, and in the presence of the Alliance’s Secretary-General, Air Force Major General (Retired) Muhammad bin Saeed Al-Mughaidi.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) stated that the program is part of efforts to activate the partnership between the Islamic Alliance and the United Kingdom, and to enhance cooperation with specialized international institutions. This contributes to developing the capabilities of member states’ representatives and enhancing their readiness to address the rapid transformations in the patterns of extremism, as well as its means of dissemination and financing.

The Secretary-General of the Islamic Alliance emphasized that investing in building the capabilities of member states’ representatives and exchanging expertise with specialized international institutions are fundamental pillars for developing more effective and sustainable responses to extremism and terrorism. He noted the Alliance’s commitment to expanding its international partnerships to serve the needs of member states and strengthen their national efforts.

The program covered the conceptual foundations and drivers of extremism, the exploitation of digital platforms by extremist groups, patterns of terrorism financing and the risks associated with virtual assets, as well as pathways for disengagement, rehabilitation, and reintegration. It also addressed the role of strategic communication in countering extremist discourse. The program included a group exercise that enabled participants to apply analytical tools to scenarios simulating real-world challenges.

The program reviewed key findings and lessons learned, underscoring the importance of continuing to develop specialized competencies, enhancing the exchange of expertise and coordination among member states, and building comprehensive national responses that keep pace with the evolving methods, financing networks, and digital tools of extremist groups.

The program reflects the efforts of the Islamic Military Alliance to Combat Terrorism in building capabilities, consolidating effective international partnerships, and adopting a comprehensive and sustainable approach to combating terrorism. This approach integrates ideological prevention, countering financing, addressing digital threats, and supporting rehabilitation and reintegration pathways.