Foreign Minister Julie Bishop is calling for a US-led international coalition to combat the “terrifying challenge” of jihadist groups aiming to establish a caliphate in the Middle East.
Bishop said she’s “deeply troubled” that 180 Australian citizens are known to be fighting with the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria or supporting it from Australia.
• Abbott on front foot as leadership stoush looms
Bishop was speaking at a think tank in the US capital.
She met on Tuesday with US security chiefs and was to meet on Wednesday with Secretary of State John Kerry.
Australia currently has 600 personnel conducting air strikes and supporting Iraqi security forces, the second largest contribution to the international coalition.
Bishop said she didn’t expect the US would be seeking more Australian support during her visit.
Live News
