Stephan Kayyar
Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (DC)

Kasargod, Mar 30: Four persons from Kerala who joined terror organisation Islamic State (IS) have reportedly been killed in Afghanistan, say reports. 

Shihas, his wife Ajmala, their child and Muhammed a native of Trikaripur are the deceased.

Reports say that National Investigation Agency (NIA) has confirmed about the killing to Kerala IGP.

A police intelligence officer here said that they have heard the news but there is no official confirmation from the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

"What we have come to know is that the dead include Shihaz, his wife and their child besides another man. We are awaiting more details," said the official who did not wish to be identified.

With this, the total number of Keralites, killed after joining IS in Afghanistan, has gone up to eight after the NIA last year confirmed the death of four.

Over 20 Keralites who went missing in the Middle East in 2016 are suspected to have joined terror outfit in Syria.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in 2016 said that 21 people, including children, were missing -- 17 persons from Kasargode district and four from Palakkad.

With IANS Inputs