Australian Government Responds To Attacks In Tunisia, Kuwait And France

Overnight, dozens of people were killed in a trio of violent attacks across the world. 
Gunmen opened fire at two tourist hotels in the beachside resort district of Sousse, Tunisia, killing at least 39 people. On the same day, a suicide bomber killed 27 during prayers at a Shi’ite mosque in Kuwait, the gulf state’s first such attack in nearly a decade.
The Islamic State group have reportedly claimed responsibility for both of the above attacks. A third incident also occurred overnight in Grenoble, France, in which a man with suspected extremist ties beheaded a factory boss and injured several other workers. 
Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi condemned the violence overnight, saying: 
“We note that Tunisia faces an international movement. It cannot respond alone to this. On the same day at the same time France has been the target of such an operation, and Kuwait too. This proves the need for a global strategy, and that all democratic countries must now join forces. This is worse than terrible.”
Australian government officials have responded strongly to the reports. This morning, Treasurer Joe Hockey was blunt when asked about the attacks, saying “that’s why we’re working so hard to put all the resources in that we can to defeat these evil bastards at their source.”
Prime Minister Tony Abbott also made a statement noting that “[our] security agencies are assessing the situation for any implications for us but there is no information to suggest a higher threat to Australia as a result of these latest atrocities.”
During a press conference, he also gave the following address to media:
In the past, Abbott has been criticised for his use of the phrase “death cult”, with terrorism experts saying that this is counter-productive and actually feeds into the rhetoric of extremists. 
Nonetheless, it’s a strategy he appears to be sticking with, referencing death cults three times in the space of 90 seconds. 
The government’s National Security Committee will meet today, while Foreign Minister Julie Bishop plans to contact her counterparts in Tunisia, Kuwait and France to express Australia’s support and solidarity.
It is understood that no Australians were amongst those killed in the attacks, but anyone who is concerned is advised to contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
via News Limited
Photo: Bechir Taieb via Getty Images

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