Paris, May 19 (IANS): French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said on Tuesday that the number of French nationals involved in jihadi groups has risen to 1,683 people, representing a 203 percent increase compared to January 2014, Efe news agency reported.
Cazeneuve, who appeared before a parliamentary inquiry commission on monitoring jihadi affiliates and individuals, explained that the total number of French fighters in Syria and Iraq stands at 457 people, up 104 percent compared to January 2014.
Among the 457 are 137 women and 80 children, the minister added, who also indicated that 278 French people have left Syria, 213 of whom are believed to have already returned to France.
However, Cazeneuve said there are 320 French people on their way to the war-torn area, two are detained in Syria and 105 have died, eight in suicide operations.