Warnings of ISIS Return: Syria and Iraq Top Coalition Agenda in Rome

CNN revealed that the United States and Italy held a meeting in the capital, Rome, to discuss the upcoming agenda of the international coalition against the "ISIS" organization, which was topped by Syria and Iraq, amidst warnings about the group's return.

The network stated in its report that the meeting came one day after the United States officially completed its military withdrawal from Iraq, focusing on the necessity of continuing to build the capabilities of both Iraq and Syria to target the terrorist organization.

It clarified that the meeting was held in the Italian city of Rome, at the level of political directors and senior diplomatic officials, according to what the network cited from the US State Department.

Participants in the meeting announced financial pledges exceeding $75 million to support counter-terrorism needs in Syria, increase the capacity of detention centers, maintain health and sanitation services, and support displaced persons and detainees in both Iraq and Syria.

Participants reaffirmed the role of the coalition, which includes 90 partners, in supporting the stability of Iraq and Syria, stressing the need to direct international aid towards enhancing the two countries' capabilities to target "ISIS," and preventing divisions that the organization historically exploited to expand its influence.

Regarding Syria, the US State Department said the coalition "celebrates having a partner in Damascus who recognizes the magnitude of the threat posed by ISIS and is determined to work with the coalition to limit this threat."

The statement emphasized that achieving lasting security in Iraq and Syria requires strengthening "sovereign and inclusive" state institutions, ensuring the representation and protection of various communities, and allowing them to participate equally in shaping the future of both countries.

Iraqi concerns over ISIS activity in Syria
The meeting comes at a time when Baghdad and Damascus are still working to consolidate their governmental institutions, amid fears of potential security vacuums if follow-up and coordination to confront the organization are absent.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein expressed his country's concern on Thursday regarding "ISIS" activity within Syrian territory, warning of the possibility of fighters crossing the border into Iraq.

Hussein told reporters in Washington: "There may be hundreds of terrorists from the ISIS organization inside Syria on the other side of the border, if not thousands," adding that "if they manage to cross the border, they will once again pose a threat to Iraqi security."

The Iraqi minister simultaneously affirmed that Iraqi forces are "ready to defeat them again," referring to operations Baghdad conducted against the organization in past years.

The meeting reflects continued international focus on preventing the "ISIS" organization from exploiting any security vacuum in Iraq and Syria, coinciding with the greater transfer of security responsibility to local forces and institutions in both countries.