Interpol searching for 173 possible Islamic State suicide attackers

Interpol has released a list of 173 Islamic State fighters it believes could be trained in carrying out suicide attacks in Europe.

The list, released by the general secretariat of Interpol on 27 May, was compiled by the United States' FBI using intelligence sourced in Iraq and Syria.

According to the release, the fighters "may have been trained to build and position improvised explosive devices in order to cause serious deaths and injuries.

"It is believed that they can travel internationally, to participate in terrorist activities."

There is no evidence to suggest that the fighters have entered Europe yet and the list only exists to raise awareness of their existence.

For each individual, an ID was created, showing the suspects' names, date of recruitment, last likely address, mother's name and any photographs.

This ID was then submitted to all local police forces to help them identify the fighters, in exchange for any subsequent information they might also have.

This information can be found on Interpol's ASF (Automatic Search Facility) database and the names have been placed on a higher level watch list.

European intelligence chiefs have expressed concerns the number of IS-affiliated attacks on civilians in Europe will increase as it loses land across the region.

To this end, Interpol announced it would collaborate with a newly formed UN Counter Terrorism Office on Friday.

The UN's Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate will help Interpol provide a "coordinated approach" internationally, and help prevent duplication of work across borders.