Seoul, June 19 (IANS): The Islamic State (IS) terror group has released information about US military bases in South Korea with the aim of attacking them, Seoul's intelligence services announced on Sunday.

The IS revealed the location of the US air bases in Gyeonggi and North Jeolla provinces as well as the personal data of a few South Korean citizens through an online messaging service, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) said.

The outfit obtained the information from its hackers unit, according to NIS, which has also intercepted messages in which the IS encourages attacks against the bases, EFE news reported.

The intelligence agency added that South Korean authorities have taken all necessary steps to protect the country from such attacks in collaboration with the armed forces and the US military.

The IS has already issued threats against South Korea for being an ally of the US.

The South Korean Army has intensified its anti-terrorist preparations in recent months and deported around 50 foreign nationals over the past five years for alleged links with terrorist outfits.

Two South Koreans have also been arrested for allegedly trying to join terrorist organisations.