Coalition Meets İn Canada To Plot Strategy Against Daesh

Representatives from Turkey are in Quebec City, Canada on Thursday, taking part in a 20-country closed-door discussion on the fight against Deash and how it can be improved.



It is the second time in two months countries have gathered to plot strategy, the last time in Paris on June 2.



Turkey joined the Daesh battle by launching airstrikes in retaliation for recent terror attacks in Turkey that are believed to be perpetrated, at least in part, by Daesh.



Turkey has also granted permission for the U.S.-led coalition to use the Incirlik Air Base as a launching pad for manned and unmanned drones in the fight.



The Quebec City session is being co-chaired by Canada, the United States and Iraq, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported.



"(Daesh) continues to present a serious threat to regional and global security, including a direct threat to Canadian citizens at home and abroad," Rob Nicholson, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, said in a statement on the Canadian government website.



The meeting was about more than just military strategy against Daesh. Those in attendance were also to discuss the treatment of women by the rogue organization.



"Minorities and the women and girls targeted by ISIS are not incidental victims of terror but are deliberately selected by ISIS and are even used to recruit, encourage and reward its fighters," Nicholson said.



The UN special representative said it was incumbent on the coalition to prevent the violence against women.



"The issue of sexual violence has been institutionalized by ISIS," Zainab Bangura told the CBC the day before the discussion began.



She said no peace was possible in the Middle East battle areas until women and children, who make up 80 percent of the refugees in the Daesh conflict, are protected.



"That is very central because women form the core of society, all the fabric of society together and I think we've neglected to focus more on the issue of military and other assets," Bandura said.



In March, the Canadian parliament voted to extend the country's mission against Daesh for another 12 months.



Other countries taking part in Thursday's discussion include Australia, Saudi Arabia, Germany and the United Arab Emirates. - Kanada