Defence Minister Marise Payne confirms an Australian has been arrested in Iraq.
“I can confirm advice today that an Australian is currently detained in Iraq as a result of the ongoing conflict there,” Ms Payne said on Wednesday.
“Due to Privacy Act consideration and that to my knowledge Iraqi authorities have not publicly identified that person, I can’t confirm that identity at this point.
“I can advise that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance in accordance with the consular services charter.”
Earlier The Guardian reported that two members of an alleged Sydney terrorist plot had been arrested in Iraq.
Defence Minister @MarisePayne: I can confirm an Australian has been detained in Iraq, he has been identified by media outlets as Ahmed Merhi. He has been offered consular assistance in accordance with the Consular Services Charter.
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) April 18, 2018
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