Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull calls Melbourne siege shocking and cowardly terrorist act

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Tuesday (6 June) that police were treating a deadly siege in the southern city of Melbourne as an act of terrorism in which a gunman was killed. The Islamic State (Isis) militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the gunman was one of its soldiers. A day earlier, on Monday, the attacker, identified as Yacqub Khayre, 29, held a woman hostage inside an apartment building in Melbourne. While the hostage was rescued unharmed, three police officers suffered injuries when they engaged in a firefight with Khayre. The attacker was shot dead by police. A man was found dead in the foyer of the building where Khayre held the woman against her will.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Tuesday (6 June) that police were treating a deadly siege in the southern city of Melbourne as an act of terrorism in which a gunman was killed. The Islamic State (Isis) militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the gunman was one of its soldiers. A day earlier, on Monday, the attacker, identified as Yacqub Khayre, 29, held a woman hostage inside an apartment building in Melbourne. While the hostage was rescued unharmed, three police officers suffered injuries when they engaged in a firefight with Khayre. The attacker was shot dead by police. A man was found dead in the foyer of the building where Khayre held the woman against her will.

READ MORE