Italy says it has expelled nine suspected jihadis since late December and is vowing more expulsions in a heightened terrorism crackdown.

Interior Minister Angelino Alfano told reporters Sunday that the expelled include five Tunisians and citizens from Turkey, Egypt, Morocco and Pakistan. The expulsions to their countries of origin began before the Jan. 7 terror attack in Paris.

Alfano said the nine long held residency permits and included people who supported, and recruited members for, the Islamic State group and who "radicalized themselves on the Web."

In addition, Italy has identified 59 people who have traveled from Italy to Syria to fight, including five Italian citizens and two with double-citizenship, Alfano said.

He said Italy has put "far more than 100" persons suspected of jihadi activities under intense scrutiny.