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The US-led coalition tackling Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq says it is making good progress.
Foreign Ministers from over 20 countries have been meeting in London five months after the Anti-IS coalition was formed.
US Secretary of State John Kerry says the coalition is still in the early stages of its campaign and is ramping up efforts to fight the militant group….also referred to as Da'ish.
The closed-door meeting comes with Europe still reeling from violent attacks in Paris and with ISIS threatening to behead two Japanese hostages unless a huge ransom is paid.
From London, Catherine Drew reports.
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Amid tight security, 21 foreign ministers from Arab nations joined their European, Turkish and Iraqi counterparts in London.
America's top diplomat, US Secretary of State John Kerry, offered a stark reminder of what's at stake.
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"Da'ish is a global problem, and it demands a comprehensive, enduring, global response."
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However Mr Kerry also said the coalition had made good progress against the militants.
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Britain's Foreign Secretary acknowledged the need to cut both IS's access to funds…..and prevent young would-be radicals from Europe traveling to join them
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"We all confirmed our commitment to the however long it takes and wherever it leads us."
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Five months after it's creation, the coalition has seen the US led military allies launch nearly two thousand air strikes against IS positions, but the battle on the ground, led by kurdish and iraqi forces remains fierce. The IRaqi Prime Minister Hader Al Abadi, repeated his calls for more weaponry and training. Something that was promised by the coalition partners.
And IS continues its propaganda war….most recently with threats to behead 2 japanese citizens unless a 200 million dollar ransom is paid by Friday.
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This and the recent spate of terror attacks in France which left 17 people dead has added political pressure for action
Sir Richard Ottaway who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee in the British parliament said the efforts of the international coalition is the only chance of defeating IS.
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"What's important is to maintain the coalition. A divided international community won't be able to see off ISIS, we actually have to focus on how ISIS is getting its funding and stop the source of it's funding. I think this is quite achievable but it will only be done by a united front."
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Despite the urgency of tackling the Islamic State Britain's Foreign Secretary Phillip Hammond has warned it could take up to two years to defeat the group….this as the world waits for news of the two Japanese hostages and hostilities on the ground continues.
Catherine Drew, sign off, London