The UK has stripped more than 150 suspected jihadists and other criminals of their citizenship to stop them returning, it has been reported.
Ministers have issued the "deprivation orders" in case the collapse of the Islamic State in the Middle East leads to a sudden influx of militants from Syria, according to the Sunday Times.
Quoting official figures and security sources, the paper said more than 40 suspects have had their right to a passport removed this year, with about 30 targeted since March.
It added those who have had their citizenship removed include gunmen and "jihadi brides" who have travelled to Syria.
The news comes as the Syrian army and its allies reported made gains in the last IS-held territories in Homs province.
They are all dual nationals, including British-born people with parents of different nationalities, as ministers cannot take away citizenship if it would lead a suspect stateless.
A senior security source told the Sunday Times: "There's an awful lot of people we have found who will never be coming home again.
"Our number one preference is to get them on trial. If we don't think that's possible, we use disruption techniques."
Last week the Home Office revealed that just six suspects in Britain who cannot be deported or prosecuted are subject to Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures (Tpims).
Security minister Ben Wallace said: "Prosecution and conviction is always our preference for dealing with terrorists.
"Tpims (Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures) are one of a range of powers at our disposal to disrupt terrorism-related activity where prosecution is not possible."
MORE ABOUT