sectarian tensions threaten civil war in Iraq as dozens of Iraqi soldiers are shot execution style

“Due to the deteriorating security situation, a number of Australian officials have been withdrawn from Baghdad,” the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.

“The Australian Embassy remains open with reduced staffing levels,” it said without providing figures.

“Australians in Iraq should depart immediately while commercial flights continue to operate.”

Iraq said Sunday it had started to drive back fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, as grisly reports emerged of atrocities committed during their lightning offensive south towards Baghdad.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said an “essential core” of embassy staff will remain in Baghdad.

“Due to the very challenging security environment we are unlikely to be able to provide the level of consular assistance that might be expected,” she told ABC radio on Monday.

“But we certainly strongly support the Iraqi government’s ongoing efforts to counter this terrorism that’s taking place within its borders.”

The militant group, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and the Levant, which captured two major cities last week, posted graphic photos on a militant website showing fighters massacring dozens of captured Iraqi soldiers.

Masked fighters of ISIS and the Levant showed images of bodies of captives soaked in blood after being shot, execution style