Top Australian 'Islamic State' operative killed in Iraq
Australia's most dangerous known operative from the so-called 'Islamic State' group had been killed in a US air strike in Iraq.
The United States confirmed that Neil Prakash, also known as Abu Khaled al-Cambodi, was killed in Mosul on Friday, Australian attorney general George Brandis said.
TONIGHT AT 6: Australia's most wanted terrorist - Neil Prakash - killed by a US airstrike. pic.twitter.com/81Tyr8W2D5
— NBN News (@nbnnews) May 5, 2016
Prakash, 24, an Australian citizen of Cambodian and Fijian heritage, converted from Buddhism in 2012 and travelled to Syria a year later.
The former rapper from Melbourne featured in 'IS' recruitment videos, was linked to several terror attack plans in Australia and urged lone wolf attacks against the United States.
"Prakash was a very important, high-value target," Mr Brandis said.
"He was the most dangerous Australian involved with Isil (another name for 'IS') in the Middle East."
Expert Greg Barton's insight into Australia’s most wanted terrorist Neil Prakash, who’s been killed in an airstrike https://t.co/vezUxzckbJ
— News Breakfast (@BreakfastNews) May 4, 2016
The United States also confirmed the death in Syria of the sister of a 15-year-old Australian boy who was shot dead by police after he gunned down a police accountant outside a Sydney police station in October last year, Mr Brandis said.
Shadi Jabhar Khalil Mohammad left Australia the day before her brother Farhad Jabhar died.
She and her Sudanese husband, Abu Sa'ad al-Sudani, were killed in a US air strike near the Syrian town of al-Bab on April 22.
Both had been 'IS' recruiters of foreign fighters and had inspired attacks against Western interests, Mr Brandis said.
Authorities estimate 110 Australians are fighting for 'IS' in the Middle East.
