Australian police foils Islamist-inspired terror plot to blow up a plane
- Australian authorities have foiled an alleged Islamist-inspired "terrorist plot" to bring down an aeroplane
- The police have beefed up security at all Australian airports after arresting four men involved in the plot
- The incident occurred in Sydney
FollowAustralian authorities have foiled an alleged Islamist-inspired "terrorist plot" to bring down an aeroplane with an improvised explosive and arrested four people in a series of anti-terror raids in Sydney.
The police have beefed up security at all Australian airports after arresting four men involved in the plot.
Investigators said they had seized materials in the raids that could have been used to make an improvised explosive device.
Addressing reporters after the arrest, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said, “I can report last night that there has been a major joint counter-terrorism operation to disrupt a terrorist plot to bring down an airplane." Â
The four men were arrested during anti-terror raids carried out by federal police, New South Wales police and ASIO at five properties in Sydney on July 29.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin said they had no reason to believe airport security had been "compromised" but a heightened state of security has been implemented.
"We do believe it is Islamic-inspired terrorism. Exactly what is behind this is something that we will need to investigate fully," Colvin said.
Prime Minister Turnbull said those with plans to travel should do so with confidence, but allow extra time for security screening because of the threat.
"Travellers should arrive at terminals at least two hours before flights to allow ample time for screening. They should limit the amount of carry-on and checked baggage, as this will help to ensure that security screening is efficient," he said.
Airlines Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia its subsidiary Tigerair released a statement confirming the additional security measures and sent text messages to its passengers to expect delays.
Australia, a close ally of the United States, has been on heightened alert for attacks by home-grown militants returning from fighting in the Middle East, or their supporters, since 2014.
About 100 people have left Australia for Syria to fight alongside organizations such as Islamic State, Australia's immigration minister said last month.
(With inputs from PTI)
