Authorities maintain focus on Australians with alleged links to IS

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says the government is working closely with partners around the world to detect Australians who may try to return from conflict zones in Iraq because of the battle to retake the city of Mosul from the self-proclaimed Islamic State.

ASIO Director General Duncan Lewis. Source: AAP

The head of the domestic intelligence agency ASIO, Duncan Lewis, says Australians who might be involved with I-S in Syria and Iraq are likely to be killed or captured as territory is retaken from the armed group.

He says at least 61 Australians have been confirmed killed in fighting in Syria and Iraq.

ASIO believes about 110 are still thought to be fighting or supporting proscribed groups, and up to 70 children of Australian citizens have been exposed to what he calls extremist groups, there.

Others in Australia, says Duncan Lewis, are being watched.