LEO Varadkar has said the Irish man who was arrested in Syria is "entitled to consular assistance" from the Government.

The 45-year-old, who holds an Irish passport, was one of five arrested by the Syrian Democratic Forces for allegedly fighting with the Islamic State.

3 Varadkar spoke on the incident from Mali Credit: PA:Press Association

Speaking from Mali the Taoiseach said: "I've only heard about that in the last short while.

"The information we have is that an Irish citizen has been taken into custody in Syria.

"We don't know the details of that so I can't comment on it in any detail but what I can say is that any Irish citizen around the world is entitled to consular assistance and will get that."

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed they have been made aware of the situation and will provide help if needed.

3 The man, who holds an Irish passport, will be entitled to Government help Credit: PA:Press Association/PA Images

A spokesperson for the department said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is aware of reports in relation to an Irish citizen detained in Syria.

"Our Missions in the region are making enquiries and will provide appropriate assistance.”

According to the US-backed SDT, the individual is believed to have been based in Dublin before heading out to the Middle East.

The five men who the SDF claims are IS members were captured as part of operation Jazeera Storm by the rebel SDF group on December 30 in the northeast of the ­war-torn country.

The SDF claimed it arrested two Islamic State fighters from America, two Pakistani nationals alongside an Irish citizen.

3 Syrian Democratic Forces arrested five men in total Credit: AFP or licensors

A statement read issued by the SFT reads: “The operation Jazeera Storm, carried out with the aim of liberating the last regions under the occupation of IS, continues steadily towards clearing the last bastions of the group.

“Islamic State — which is now cornered in a small area after being cleared from large swathes of territory it once held — is suffering heavy losses due to operations of our forces.

“Recently, in order to prevent the advance of our forces, terrorists have attempted to carry out attacks several times.

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“In this context, a group of terrorists who had been preparing to attack the civilians who were trying to get out of the war zone in masses was detected.

"Following long-term technical and physical ­follow-up, an operation against the cell was carried out by our forces.

“As a result of the operation, five terrorists originally from the United States, Ireland and Pakistan were captured.”