Interpol has circulated a list of 173 alleged "Islamic State" (IS) fighters who might be trained to carry out suicide attacks in Europe. The list was compiled using US intelligence from operations in Syria and Iraq. European counterterrorism networks warned that the battleground losses of the so-called "Islamic State" could lead to suicide bombers taking revenge by attacking targets in Europe, Britain's Guardian newspaper reported on Friday. Following the liberation of the Iraqi city of Mosul IS may seek revenge by choosing European targets for suicide attacks

The Interpol list, dated May 27, said there could be more than 173 IS operatives who "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."

International effort

The list highlights various details, including the suspects' names, when they were recruited, their last address of residence, their mother's name, the name of the mosque at which they had been praying while fighting, and any photographs.

A note attached to the Interpol list circulated in Italy said that those in the list "may have manifested willingness to commit a suicidal attack or martyrdom to support Islam."

IS on the verge of collapse

Interpol launched an appeal to its national partners to contribute any information they might have about the names featured on the list, hoping to gather additional information about the suspects that might make it easier to track them down, such as passport numbers, border crossings and criminal records.

Counterterrorism units say, however, that tracking down potential attacked remains an elusive pursuit, as they tend to have access to false documents and fake passports.

Whether IS fighters will attempt to reach Europe largely depends on how things go for the terror organization in coming weeks and months, terrorism experts believe. With the recent liberation of Mosul in Iraq and the impending fall of Raqqa in Syria to the US-led coalition, IS could regroup and form a new base in either Syria or Iraq, or closer to the border region with Turkey. Why are some people attracted to Jihad?

Hundreds of young people choose to go to Syria, despite their vastly more comfortable lives in Europe. But why does "Islamic State" attract so many Europeans? Radicalization expert Maarten van de Donk explains. (22.06.2016)

Raqqa: The human cost of degrading the 'Islamic State'
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