The United States has committed $148 Million on Thursday, to the stabilization efforts in Iraq and Syria, and has called for the repatriation of ISIS fighters and Relatives. The United States and Saudi Arabia, have urged western states to join efforts and contribute in this regard, while Secretary Antony Blinken is visiting the Kingdom.
The United States pledged $148 million on Thursday for stabilization efforts in Iraq and Syria as it joined Saudi Arabia in urging Western states to repatriate foreign Islamic State group fighters and their relatives.
The announcement was made at a ministerial meeting of the international coalition against IS in Riyadh, which was co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and the United States with the aim of raising $601 million for a stabilization fund.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said it was “disheartening and absolutely unacceptable” that some wealthy countries had not repatriated citizens who had travelled to Iraq and Syria to join IS.
Thousands of jihadists and their family members continue to be held in detention centers and informal camps where US commanders have warned they could fuel an IS revival.
Despite repeated calls for their repatriation, foreign governments have allowed only a trickle to return home, fearing security threats and domestic political backlash.
Despite its territorial defeat, IS militants continue to conduct attacks against civilians and security forces in both Iraq and Syria.
The United Nations estimates that IS still has 5,000 to 7,000 loyalists across the two countries, roughly half of whom are fighters.
Fellow coalition member Britain will pledge more than $109 million over the next five years to support stabilization efforts in Iraq and Kurdish-controlled northeastern Syria, its foreign ministry said.
This comes on top of $19.9 million in aid over the next two years to specifically address acute humanitarian needs in northeastern Syria, it added.
The US Secretary of State flew into Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, kickstarting a visit aimed at boosting ties with its longtime ally, which has begun forging closer relations with Washington’s rivals.
Khalil Wakim, with AFP
