Authorities are treating very seriously a message from Islamic State (IS) leaders urging jihadis to kill Australians, among other westerners.  It comes just days after ASIO and Federal police say they broke up an IS plot to kidnap a random person off the streets of Sydney and uploaded video of a beheading on the Internet.

IS spokesman is heard in an audio file saying, “If you can kill an American or European infidel – especially the spiteful and filthy French – or an Australian or a Canadian, or any other disbeliever from the infidel fighters, then rely upon God and kill them in any way possible.”

Australia is already supporting US efforts to “degrade and destroy” Islamic State in Iraq, although Oz hasn’t taken part in any bombing runs yet – Australia’s contribution so far has concentrated on humanitarian and military aid deliveries.  France has carried out a bombing run Againsdt IS targets in Iraq, possibly explaining why French citizens were singled out.