The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed an Australian permanent resident has been shot and killed in an incident at a security checkpoint in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.
Media reports say University of Baghdad professor, 72-year-old Kays Juma, was killed on Saturday when security guards fired on his car as it drove near a convoy carrying private contractors.
The reports say relatives were initially told an Australian fired the fatal shot.
The security firm involved, Unity Resources Group, has an office in Sydney and is yet to respond to the claims.
Mr Juma, whose wife is an Australian citizen, was an Australian permanent resident but spent much of each year in Baghdad teaching agriculture students.
The Australian embassy in Baghdad is providing consular assistance and is in contact with family members in Australia.
It's also seeking advice on conducting an investigation into the matter.