KASARGOD: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) confirmed the death of eight Keralites who joined the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). As per reports they were killed in an air strike by the US. Though their families were informed about the deaths earlier, the NIA is confirming it only now.

The NIA informed the Kerala police that they were killed in an air strike by the US at eastern Nangarhār province of Afghanistan. The NIA has contacted the Afghan government for further action. These eight Keralites are of the 23 who joined the Islamic State led by Abdul Rashid Abdullah of Udumbunthala at Thrikkaripur in Kasargod. The NIA confirmed the death news now which was earlier informed to their relatives by Abdul Rashid and his associates via telegram in various stages. Though the death of Abdul Rashid was informed to his relatives two months back, as per the list of the NIA his name is not the list of the eight. It was asserted that Rashid also was killed in an air strike.

Muhammed Murshid, Hafeezudeen, Shihas, Ajmala, native of Padanna, Muhammed Marvan, Muhammed Manshad of Thrikkaripur and natives of Palakkad Bastin and Shibi are those confirmed killed at various stages. They left the country in June 2016 to join the ISIS.