Mass beheading of Coptic Christians in Libya

The Australian Government strongly condemns the mass beheading overnight of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians by Daesh-affiliated extremists in Libya.

I am appalled by this tragic loss of life. On behalf of the Australian people, I offer our deepest condolences to the families of those killed in this senseless attack.

This barbaric act closely follows the heinous murders of a Jordanian pilot and two Japanese nationals by Daesh. Such atrocities only strengthen our resolve to work with our partners to counter the threat posed by Daesh and its affiliates.