An Australian Islamic State (IS) terrorist accused of being behind a plot to kill random members of the public in Sydney is believed to have died while fighting in the Middle East.
Islamic State images purportedly showing recruits marching in an unknown location. Photo: AFP / Islamic State group's Al-Raqqa site
The ABC has been told Mohammad Ali Baryalei was killed four or five days ago, although news of his death only began circulating on social media overnight.
Baryalei recruited dozens of Australians onto the battlefield in Syria and Iraq.
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the Government was trying to confirm the reports.
Before leaving Australia, Mr Baryalei was a leader in the "Street Dawah" movement in which members preached their puritanical version of Islam on the streets of Sydney, AAP reported.
Before that, he was a nightclub bouncer in Kings Cross.