Risks of ISIS in Syria, Iraq should be countered globally – US, GCC
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The US and US-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) affirmed on Friday that reducing the danger posed by the Islamic State (ISIS) in northeast Syria and Iraq should be encouraged globally through practical solutions.
The remarks were made after senior officials of the US and the GCC member states convened a “Working Group on Counterterrorism” at the GCC’s headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, two days earlier.
The US and the GCC said in a joint statement that practical solution can be achieved through the safe repatriation of ISIS militants and family members currently located in camps and detention centers run by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES).
The Working Group affirmed the longstanding partnership between the US and the member states of the GCC.
The group also discussed the range of terrorist threats to the Middle East and other regions, including Africa, South Asia, and Central Asia.
The participants affirmed that “terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, or ethnic group.”
The working group affirmed that Iran’s support for terrorist militias and armed groups across the region and the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) threatens regional security and stability.
They also affirmed that diplomacy remains the preferred way to address Iran’s policies.
The participants stressed the importance of joint action to address terrorist threats by cutting off terrorist financing.
In addition, they “welcomed opportunities for further cooperation under the auspices of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.”