Infamous Australians Fighting For Islamic State Group Believed To Be Dead; Authorities Awaits Confirmation

Khaled Sharrouf and Mohamed Elomar – two Australian men who became famous for their association with Islamic State terror group, have reportedly been killed in Iraq.

The federal government said on Monday evening it is investigating to confirm the deaths, but a source close to one of the men’s families told ABC that the duo definitely died in the city of Mosul last week.

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop said government officials are waiting for the verifications of the deaths reports. "Our security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies will be working to verify these reports, but I stress it's very difficult to gain the information necessary given that it is a war zone," she said.

Another source close to the families revealed a drone strike took their lives sometime last week, but the exact date has not been confirmed. While Elomar's body is allegedly recovered, Sharrouf body is still missing. Both of them left for Syria and then to Iraq in 2013. Media reports indicated Sharrouf used his brother's passport to fly out of Australia.

Pair’s Journey To Fame

Sharrouf and Elomar became globally famous after photos of them holding the severed heads of pro-Syrian government soldiers gone viral on Internet. Meanwhile, Sharrouf allegedly had a prime role in shooting execution of an Iraqi official outside Mosul and wanted by the Australian authorities.

Elomar's postings on social media suggested his popularity among Australians who joined the battle for Islamic State.

Making Its Stand Clear, Again

Foreign Minister Ms. Bishop also said Australians thinking of going to Syria or Iraq or to the Middle East to support Daesh to fight for the IS group, should not do so.

"It's an offence against Australian law and it's adding to the misery and suffering of the people of Syria and Iraq and they're putting their own lives in danger," she added.

A Loss For IS Group

Dr. Clarke Jones, a terrorism expert from the Australian National University, said if the reports were true, the deaths of duo would be a "significant blow to Islamic State". He also pointed out that the infamous pair played important roles in the IS group, especially on social media to draw attention towards the group.

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