Terror raids in Sydney
UPDATED 10.30am: Fifteen people were detained during a joint counter-terrorism operation in Sydney this morning (Thursday).
The raids, which were carried out by Australian Federal police, ASIO and NSW Police in Sydney and Brisbane saw more than 800 officers conduct 25 search warrants in the biggest counter-terrorism operation in Australia’s history.
Police believe the group was actively preparing for the attacks, however there is no information regarding a specific attack, including dates, time or location.
The warrants were undertaken today to prevent the group’s planning activities at the earliest opportunity, and collect further evidence.
Several people were arrested and local residents in some parts of Sydney reported that police closed roads as they moved in on suspects. The raids have come less than a week after Australia’s threat level, in terms or a terrorist attack, was lifted to high.
The raids in Sydney were in Bass Hill, Beecroft, Bellavista, Castle Hill, Guildford, Marsfield, Merrylands, Northmead, Regents Park, Revesby, Wentworthville and Westmead.
In Brisbane they were conducted in Logan, Underwood and Upper Mount Gravatt East.
AFP Acting Commissioner Andrew Colvin said the purpose of today’s action was to keep the community safe.
“Law enforcement agencies will continue to work together to combat threats before they become a reality,” Acting AFP Commissioner Colvin said.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further arrests have not been ruled out.
Members of the community are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
NSW Police released several short videos of the raids this morning through on its Twitter account.
More to follow
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