Prakash said to be on US hit list

Senior Australian Islamic State terrorist Neil Prakash has been targeted for assassination by the US military, Australia's defence and foreign intelligence agencies reportedly believe.

The national security agencies have advised the Abbott government they are in no doubt Prakash has been selected for targeted killing, The Australian newspaper reported on Wednesday.

The US does not share its targeting lists, but Australian intelligence officials are said to be highly confident Prakash has been targeted because of the influential role he now occupies within Islamic State.

That involves encouraging Western-based jihadists to carry out attacks in their communities and providing operational advice on how to do so.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop declined to comment on Prakash being targeted but said any Australian who goes to a conflict zone to join a terrorist group puts their life at risk.