Saudi Arabia hosts anti-terrorism conference

JEDDAH , Saudi Arabia, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Saudi Arabia, concerned by the militant Islamic State's rapid rise in Syria and Iraq, has called a conference on counter-terrorism Thursday in Jeddah.

"The meeting will tackle the issue of terrorism in the region and the extremist organizations that stand behind it and the means of addressing it," said a statement by the official Saudi Press Agency. It added that representatives from the United States, Egypt, Turkey and Jordan will join the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council -- Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar -- at the meeting.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to attend.

Analysts have suggested leaders of the oil-rich Persian Gulf countries fear an attack from IS, as well as the luring of their citizens to the radical cause. Additionally, IS regards itself as the start of a caliphate and spiritual keeper of true Islam; it could question Saudi control of the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

The United States, which is preparing a military response to IS actions and is seeking partners in its plans, has been vocal in urging Arab countries in the Gulf region to take military action. The U.S. has also urged the support of moderate Sunni Muslims in Iraq and Syria to counter the radical group.