The US government has charged six Bosnian immigrants over an alleged attempt to send money and military supplies to militant groups in Iraq and Syria.

According to the indictment, which was made public on Friday, five of the defendants are in the United States and have been arrested, while a sixth is overseas.

They are charged with conspiracy to provide support to terrorist organisations.

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All six people had immigrated to the US from Bosnia and three had become US citizens.

The Justice Department alleges one member of the group travelled to Syria and Iraq to support a terrorist organisation while the other five solicited donations and transferred money to the groups.

The indictment said numerous “foreign terrorist organisations” were to be aided by the scheme, including al-Qaeda in Iraq and the Islamic State organisation.

US-based members of the conspiracy are also accused of shipping military supplies such as uniforms, combat boots and “tactical gear” to the organisations, the government said.

“Preventing the provision of supplies, money, and personnel to foreign terrorist organisations like ISIL remains a top priority,” Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Carlin said in a statement.

Two suspects were also charged with “conspiring to kill and maim persons in a foreign country.”

It was not clear when the charges were laid.

If convicted, the accused face 15 years’ jail and fines of up to $US250,000 ($A320,000).

The chair of the US House of Representatives intelligence committee hailed the charges and said they drew attention to Islamic State supporters on US soil.