US Agreement with 'International Allies' for Exchange of Terrorism-Related Information

The US State Department has announced that it has reached an agreement with '55 international partners' to exchange information that aids in monitoring and tracking the travel of individuals suspected of terrorist activities. John Kirby, the spokesperson for the State Department, stated on July 6 that many of these 55 partners are 'countries'. Kirby responded to a question regarding whether the partners in the agreement with the US are countries or if international organizations are also included. While the spokesperson indicated that the majority of international partners are US allies, he did not provide details about them. He also mentioned that the number of countries currently providing information about 'foreign terrorists' to Interpol has increased by 400%. Kirby added that the United States collaborates with governments on matters such as 'increasing the exchange of information regarding suspected terrorists and known terrorists, enacting anti-terrorism laws, enhancing passenger inspections and border security, and establishing comprehensive financial investigations'. Earlier, in May, the US President emphasized the necessity of monitoring data and information in the fight against terrorism. Barack Obama noted that 'security' and 'privacy' of citizens are not mutually exclusive, stating, 'If we truly value freedom, we must take the necessary steps to exchange information in Europe and between Europe and the US to prevent terrorists from traveling and killing innocent people.' According to the US State Department spokesperson, at least 35 countries worldwide have arrested 'foreign terrorists and fighters', and 45 countries have increased their vigilance to prevent foreign fighters from traveling to Syria and Iraq. John Kirby stated that the United States has strengthened the international coalition against the group known as 'Islamic State' to reclaim areas seized by the group, eliminate its leaders, and cut off all its financial resources. He noted that significant progress has been made in this regard over the past six months. These statements come after a series of recent attacks in Turkey, Iraq, Bangladesh, and Saudi Arabia. Kirby mentioned that there is currently no information or evidence indicating that the attacks in Turkey, Bangladesh, and Iraq were 'coordinated'. The self-proclaimed Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the recent widespread and unprecedented attacks in Baghdad, and similarly in Bangladesh. However, Bangladeshi officials state that the attackers at a restaurant in Dhaka were known local militants. Regarding Turkey, the Prime Minister stated that the 'Islamic State' is behind the severe attacks on Istanbul airport. On Tuesday, John Kerry, the US Secretary of State, met with Adel al-Jubeir, the Saudi Foreign Minister, and according to Reuters, the two discussed the 'necessity of continuing the fight until the destruction of ISIS'. This meeting occurred following recent suicide attacks in Saudi cities, which have been condemned by various countries, including Iran. In this context, several explosions shook the cities of Qatif and Medina in Saudi Arabia, and the 'death of the suicide attack assailant' occurred near the US consulate in Jeddah. AWACS aircraft are being deployed to the battlefield against 'ISIS'. Obama has held discussions with his security advisors regarding the threats posed by 'ISIS' and emphasized the need to monitor information and data in the fight against terrorism.