Australian security worker killed near Baghdad embassy

A security contractor has been killed outside the Australian embassy in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, officials say.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop issued a statement identifying the victim as a 34-year-old Australian man.

Unconfirmed reports say he was shot dead. The motive behind the attack is unclear, but the Australian government is investigating the incident.

The statement said the man worked for Unity Resources Group, which provides security for Australian diplomats.

Headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, the private military group employs former soldiers from the British and Australian SAS forces.

The government statement added that the embassy in Baghdad maintained an increased level of security