‘Duped’ Australian jihadists used as cannon fodder by ISIL terror group

Australians travelling overseas to fight with extremists in Iraq and Syria are reportedly dying at the same rate as new fighters arrive, leaving the number of homegrown militants at a stable level.

ASIO has confirmed the number of Australian jihadists in the region has remained at about 70, Fairfax Media has reported.

However, deputy director-general Kerri Hartland said this did not reflect a slower flow of would-be terrorists travelling overseas.

Instead, she said, new arrivals were only serving to top up numbers as active resistance and air strikes take their toll on the terror group.

The statement came several days after it was revealed Australian and other foreign fighters were being used as "cannon fodder" by ISIL's upper echelons.

It has been estimated about 20 Australian militants have been killed in the fighting, including around the Syrian border town of Kobane.

A further 20 are believed to have returned home.

Attorney General George Brandis said ISIL was using western recruits, including Australians as "frontline cannon fodder, suicide bombers and propaganda tools".

Senator Brandis also expressed his determination to prevent would-be jihadists travelling overseas, saying the government had a responsibility to protect young people "ensnared" by ISIL.

However, fellow government Senator Barry O'Sullivan said the mood among the general community was that people would rather "frustrated terrorists" be allowed to travel overseas, and prevented from returning.

Australia has signed a United Nations agreement to prevent would-be militants travelling to foreign combat zones.