Young Melbourne man behind deadly suicide bombing in Iraq

An 18-year-old Melbourne man has been confirmed as being behind an attack in Baghdad that killed five people last week.

Iraqis inspect the scene of a car bomb attack in Baghdad's Sadr district, Iraq, 16 July 2014. (File: AAP)

The federal government has confirmed a young Australian man was behind a suicide attack that killed five people in Iraq.

The 18-year-old bomber was described by the terror group ISIL as a “knight” and martyr named as Abu Bakral Australi.

The government said the man was 17 when he left Australia for the region last year.

Attorney-General George Brandis described the development as “disturbing”.

“The participation by Australians in the conflict in Iraq and Syria poses a significant domestic security threat to Australia when those involved return home and seek to pursue violence here,” Senator Brandis said.

“… The government deplores the violent actions being undertaken by ISIL and other extremist groups in Iraq and Syria. As I have said many times, it is illegal for Australians to engage in the conflicts in Iraq and Syria and the government urges Australians not to travel to the region.”

Senator Brandis said the government will “continue to take all necessary measures” to keep Australia and Australian interests safe.