Shooting at Australian embassy in Baghdad

  • 13/05/2016
Julie Bishop (Reuters)
Julie Bishop (Reuters)

The Australian government has confirmed a 34-year-old security contractor has been killed at its embassy in Baghdad, Iraq.

Julie Bishop, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, confirmed via media release this morning the man had died, and said the circumstances around his death would be "thoroughly investigated".

She did not reveal how the man died.

However, unconfirmed reports suggest the man was shot in the head by a co-worker as they drank at the contractor's accommodation facility.

Ms Bishop said the level of security at the embassy remains high, and out of respect to the man's family, the government wouldn't be commenting further at this time.

The Unity Resources Group, for whom the victim worked, provides security to Australian diplomats and staff at the embassy.

Newshub.