Islamic State (Daesh) fighters hiding among refugees travelling from Libya to Italy pose a "major risk" to Europe, French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Sunday.

Le Drian said there was an "urgent" need for a political solution to the crisis in Libya to help combat the spread of Daesh, which now has several thousand fighters in the North African country, the Daily Mail reported.

He added that Daesh is only 350 kilometres from the Italian island of Lampedusa, the arrival point for thousands of migrants and refugees leaving Libya for the European Union.

"There is the risk that (IS fighters) could make the crossing, mixing in with refugees. It's a major risk," Le Drian stressed.

Source: MENA