PARIS – Officials and industry analysts say cruise ship operators share "watch-list" information with Interpol, U.S. intelligence agencies and other authorities on suspected criminals, including would-be jihadi fighters trying to travel to the battle zones of Syria and Iraq.
The comments come after Interpol officials told The Associated Press that prospective jihadis have been increasingly booking trips on cruises to join militant groups such as Islamic State because Turkey has intensified border checks at its airports. Turkey has been a key route for fighters into neighboring Syria.
One Turkish official told the AP Friday that Interpol had not flagged any such itinerary changes to Turkish authorities.
Outgoing Interpol chief Ronald Noble said its data show a rising number of reports that cruise ships are being used for travel to Syria and Iraq.
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