CANBERRA, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Australian authorities will "thoroughly investigate" the death of an Australian security official working at the Australian embassy in Baghdad, after the government confirmed he was shot and killed while on duty earlier the week.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop confirmed the news on Friday, after an alleged exchange of gunfire killed the man while he was stationed at the embassy on Wednesday.
"I confirm the death of a 34 year old Australian security contractor working at the Australian Embassy in Baghdad," Bishop said in a statement released on Friday.
"The Government extends its condolences to the family of the Australian man over this tragic incident. All appropriate assistance is being provided to his family.
"The circumstances surrounding his death will be thoroughly investigated."
Bishop said the man was a former member of the Australian SAS, and was working as part of private security detail Unity Resources Group, which protects Australian diplomats stationed overseas.
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