2014-06-19 07:23:31

Australian Foreign Minister , Julie Bishop said in a statement to (ABC), network seen by "Shafaq News”  that “ there is deep concern about the growing number of Australians who are fighting alongside the militants in Iraq and Syria.

She added, "I received an intelligence report this morning, and the best evaluation is that there are about 150 Australians fighting with opposition groups in Syria and beyond," and said that these fighters pose a threat to Australia if they return.

Bishop explained that they canceled the passports of many Australians in which security forces fear their join to the extremists in Syria and Iraq, where they could pose a security threat to Australia if they return.

Australia has not received any request from Iraq or the United States to provide military help, but ruled out sending combat troops to Iraq.

Security events in Iraq have accelerated over the last few days, where militants of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant took control on Mosul city, 400 km north of Baghdad.