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Fears others may join Syrian conflict

A Muslim community leader fears more Australians could head to Syria and Iraq to defend their families, after reports another Australian has been killed.

A man from southwest Sydney has become the third Australian man to be killed in Syria in the past two weeks, Fairfax Media reports.

It says the man, who has not been named, is from a well-known family and is believed to be married with children.

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The report comes two weeks after former Kings Cross bouncer turned senior Australian member of Islamic State, Mohammad Ali Baryalei, was believed killed in Syria, alongside Abu Noor al-Kurdi, also thought to be from Sydney, Fairfax says.

Intelligence agencies believe Baryalei has recruited as many as 30 of the 60 Australians fighting alongside IS forces.

Australian Federation of Islamic Councils president Hafez Kassem fears others may follow them.

“I think they are going to defend their families there,” he told AAP.

“This is why it’s very hard for communities to control something like this. We can’t know where they are going or why they are going.
“That is the message we have heard from people.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) says the government is trying to verify the reports of the men’s deaths but it’s difficult.

“Due to the extremely dangerous security situation, consular assistance is no longer available within Syria or Iraq,” it said in a statement.

“The government’s capacity to follow up reports of this kind is therefore extremely limited. Australians are strongly advised not to travel to Syria and Iraq.”

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