(VOVworld) - The UN Security Council demanded on Wednesday that all states make it a serious criminal offense for their citizens to travel abroad to fight with militant groups, or to recruit and fund others to do so, in a move sparked by the rise of Islamic State.

US President Obama chairs the UN Security Council meeting on September 24th, 2014 at UN headquarters in New York.  Photo: internet

At a meeting chaired by US President Barack Obama, the 15-member council unanimously adopted a US-drafted resolution that compels countries to "prevent and suppress" the recruitment and travel of militant fighters to foreign conflicts. The UN action reflects mounting international concern over rising numbers of foreign fighters joining the Islamic State militant group and the threat they pose when returning home. The council resolution is under Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, which makes it legally binding for the 193 UN member states and gives the Security Council authority to enforce decisions with economic sanctions or force.