International News

SYDNEY, (APP/AFP) – An Australian security contractor
working at the nation’s embassy in Iraq has died in a “tragic incident”, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Friday, with reports that he was shot.
“I confirm the death of a 34-year-old Australian security contractor
working at the Australian embassy in Baghdad,” Bishop said in a statement.
“The government extends its condolences to the family of the
Australian man over this tragic incident.”
Bishop said the circumstances surrounding the death were being
investigated, but gave no indication as to how the man, who was not named, died overnight.
She told reporters that as an investigation was underway, she could
not go into details, but stressed that the death was unrelated to the “broader security environment” in Baghdad.
The Iraqi capital has been rocked by bombings in recent days in which
dozens of people have died and which have been claimed by the Islamic State
jihadist group.
Reports said the man was fatally shot, with the Sydney Morning Herald
reporting that a fellow worker at United Resources Group, which provides
security at the embassy, was being questioned.
Bishop confirmed the dead man worked for the Australian-owned
company.
“I am advised the high level of security is being maintained at the
embassy,” she added.
Australia withdrew its soldiers guarding the embassy in 2011, the
last significant Australian troop presence in the country, leaving the compound in the hands of the private security firm.