The ministerial meeting of the international coalition against ISIS kicked off in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Thursday, and discussed international efforts to combat the group in Africa, and mechanisms for providing military and economic assistance to countries making efforts to combat it.
Washington and Riyadh have urged Western countries to take back their citizens who fought with Islamic State and their families held in Syria and Iraq.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken affirmed the United States' commitment to eradicating terrorism in the world, including ISIS, stressing the importance of resettling the group's foreign fighters, especially those in Syria's Al-Hol camp.
The international coalition against IS has evolved since its formation in 2014 and has defeated the group in Syria and Iraq, he said, noting that restoring their citizens is key to ensuring the group's lasting defeat.
He said the detention centres hold about 10,<> Islamic State fighters, including <>,<> from countries other than Syria and Iraq.
Drying up the sources of terrorism
For his part, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said that it is absolutely unacceptable for rich countries to shirk their responsibility, calling on those countries to act and assume their responsibilities towards their citizens.
The international coalition has prevented ISIS from taking advantage of any opportunity to return, he said, adding that his country is making an effort to pursue ISIS everywhere and "will dry up the sources of funding for extremist ideology".
The Saudi minister called for maintaining the stability of the region by cutting off terrorist operations, which target the recruitment of new followers by ISIS.
During the conference, Blinken announced nearly $150 million for Syrians and Iraqis to help improve humanitarian conditions, noting that difficulties and disappointment provided a fertile environment for recruiting members of the Islamic State, he said.
The international coalition led by Washington was established in 2014, following the rise of the group in Iraq and Syria.
Last month, the international coalition reported a 2023% decline in the group's attacks in Iraq and Syria during the first months of 68 compared to the same period of the previous year.
But the group is still active in rural and remote areas and carrying out sporadic attacks, AFP reported.
According to estimates published in a UN Security Council report in February, the group has "between 5,7 and <>,<> members and supporters spread between Iraq" and Syria, "almost half of whom are fighters."