Kochi: The intelligence agencies have identified five youths, who joined Jabhat al-Nusra, another terrorist group in Syria. The agency identified the youths as Kerala and Karnataka state natives.

Jabhat al-Nusra, Nusra Front is battling the Syrian government since 2012. The front is allegedly affiliated to Al-Qaeda. The youths are identified as Thahir Mohammed from Karnataka, Mohammed Irfan, Hashir, Siddique and Abdulla from Kerala.

The intelligence agency said, this group is identified as the first group from India, which shifted to Syria to join the terrorist organisation. It is also reported that the youths were first staying in Qatar and they moved to Syria in 2012-2013. It is also alleged that this group was formed even before the formation of the ISIS.

The intelligence agency has contacted another youth who is allegedly staying in UAE after returning from Syria. He had fought for Nusra Front and he later returned to India. Now he is staying in UAE. As the agency contacted his parents in Kerala, he will be questioned as he returns to Kerala. The agency hopes that they will get information about the five youths from this man. 

Meanwhile, security has been intensified at the coastal areas in Kerala as there is an intelligence report alleging that IS terrorists from Sri Lanka have set sail for Lakshadweep and Minicoy islands. 

Coastal security ADGP Tomin J Thachankary issued the alert regarding the intrusion of IS operatives based on intelligence inputs. Coastal police station and intelligence wing heads have been asked to strengthen coastal beat and boat patrol. 

According to sources, reports are suggesting that there are chances of ISIS terrorists in Sri Lanka entering Kerala via Thrissur coastal region.

According to the intelligence report, on Saturday, around 15 ISIS terrorists had left in a white boat for Minicoy in Lakshadweep. Special care is being taken to ensure that they don’t reach Kerala coast.

Meanwhile, police have intensified their search in the sea and coast, following this intelligence report. Fishermen community has also been asked to remain cautious.