Fears IS may be developing poison-gas weapons

Julie Bishop has confirmed NATO has real fears Islamic State jihadists may be developing poison-gas weapons.

Julie Bishop says there are fears Islamic State jihadists may be developing poison-gas weapons. (AAP)

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says there are fears Islamic State jihadists have the materials necessary to build a dirty bomb.

In comments to The Australian, Ms Bishop said NATO was extremely worried that in capturing cities in Iraq and Syria, the terrorist group had also gained access to radioactive material from hospitals and research establishments.

"That's why stopping Da'ish gaining territory is so important," the minister said, using another name for the Islamic State group.