European intelligence chiefs have launched a major investigation into the threat posed by female Islamic militants within the EU, whose involvement runs from logistics or propaganda activity to suicide bombing, they say.

'This phenomenon has not been really taken into account yet and we need to explore and understand it,' said one diplomatic official connected with the probe. 'It is a new strategy by al-Qaeda.'

The moves follow a spate of attacks in the Middle East conducted by women bombers and increasing concerns among European security services about increased radicalisation of female militants. The officials specifically cite the UK and North Africa as problem areas. ...