A 34-year-old Australian security contractor has been killed at the Australian Embassy in Baghdad.

Foreign minister Julie Bishop confirmed the incident in a statement this morning.

“The Government extends its condolences to the family of the Australian man over this tragic incident,” she said.

“All appropriate assistance is being provided to his family.”

The circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated.

“In light of the ongoing investigation, and out of respect for the man’s family, the Australian Government will not provide further comment at this time,” said Bishop and assured that a high level of security is being maintained at the embassy.

It’s understood that the man was working for Unity Resources Group, which provides security to Australian diplomats and staff at the embassy and in the Iraqi capital.

Earlier there were reports of shots being fired at the embassy.

– TiVi Tuan-san