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IS "hit-list" includes 8 Australians, prompts warnings of lone-wolf attacks

Xinhua, August 13, 2015 Adjust font size:

An Islamic State-issued "hit-list " has revealed the names of more than 1,400 people, and includes the details of eight Australian police officers, defense force employees and public figures.

Representatives from the Islamic State (IS) took to social media on Wednesday night to announce the publication of the list - mostly made up of United States Defense Force personnel - which was accompanied by an order to strike, prompting warnings of lone- wolf style attacks on Australian soil.

Members of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) had their details hacked and posted to the list, while a Victorian state politician, health workers, a defense force member and an army reservist also had their details posted online.

The government released a brief statement on Thursday, saying that "as a matter of principle and long-standing practice, the government does not discuss specific cyber incidents, activities or capabilities."

"Discussing details of any cyber incident could jeopardize ongoing investigations, monitoring of cyber incidents and the ability to protect information and networks," a spokesperson said.

However, the spokesperson said the government was taking the threat "very seriously," stating that the security of Australian citizens was "the first priority."

"We are advised that all relevant law enforcement and security agencies are looking into these claims and are in contact with relevant state and international partners," the spokesperson added.

Meanwhile the AFP said it would continue to ensure the safety of Australian citizens as well as its members and employees were not compromised.

The list contains the names, departments, email addresses and passwords, and telephone numbers of those eight Australians.

According to news service AAP, IS supporters have encouraged lone wolf-style attacks, with one saying the list was "useful" for those intending to carry out an act of terrorism.

"This information is very useful for lone wolves to act and kill," one tweet read.

A note accompanying the list also said that "with the permission of Allah (we) will strike at your necks in your own lands."

The Minister for Assisting the Prime Minister on Counter- Terrorism, Michael Keenan, is expected to be briefed by the AFP later on Thursday. Endi