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Australia launches anti-terror raids in Sydney and Brisbane Australia launches anti-terror raids over plot to kill
(about 1 hour later)
Australian police have made 15 arrests in Sydney and Brisbane, in what they say is the nation's biggest counter-terrorism operation. Australian police have carried out major anti-terror raids triggered by a call from a senior Islamic State militant for "demonstration killings", Prime Minister Tony Abbott says.
At least 800 heavily armed officers raided properties in the two cities. The raids, involving at least 800 heavily-armed officers, took place in Brisbane and Sydney.
Police said the operation disrupted plans to "commit violent acts". One reported plan was the random beheading of a member of the public. Fifteen people were arrested and one person charged with "serious terrorism-related offences", police said.
The terror threat is high because of concern over the domestic impact of the Iraq and Syria conflicts. Police say the anti-terror operation was the largest in Australian history.
Police said the raids were being carried out in the western parts of Sydney and Brisbane's south. Addressing a press conference, Mr Abbott said "direct exhortations were coming from an Australian who is apparently quite senior in ISIL (Islamic State) to networks of support back in Australia to conduct demonstration killings here in this country".
Acting Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police Andrew Colvin said that the operation was ongoing and officers were still out in the field. "So this is not just suspicion, this is intent and that's why the police and security agencies decided to act in the way they have."
"We're continuing with the search warrants and this operational activity. So the safety of our officers and the safety of the community is absolutely paramount at the moment," he said. Reports in the Australian media said a plot involved beheading a random member of the public after draping them in an Islamic State flag.
"What I can say though is that 25 warrants across Sydney have been executed, 15 people have been detained at this stage and there is one person [who] has been charged with serious terrorism-related offences." 'Random attacks'
Mr Colvin said that the authorities had acted on intelligence indicating that a violent attack was being planned on Australian soil. The raids began early on Thursday, with officers executing 25 search warrants across 12 Sydney suburbs.
"What we saw today in the operation that continues was very much about police disrupting the potential for violence against the Australian community at the earliest possible opportunity," he said. They followed investigations into a Sydney-based group "alleged to have the intent to carry out random attacks on individuals" in Australia, the Australia Federal Police said in a statement.
Police would not comment on reports that those arrested had links to Islamic State. "The police activity today was about preventing this group at the earliest possible opportunity and ensuring their plans did not come to fruition," Acting AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin said.
One media report said a plot involved beheading a random member of the public after draping them in an Islamic State flag. Raids in Brisbane were not "directly linked" to the Sydney operation but related to a raid last week on an Islamic centre that led to two men being charged with terrorism offences, he said.
Separately, in one part of Sydney, death threats were shouted from a car bearing a flag of Islamic State militants near a church, Australia's Sydney Morning Herald reported. Last week, Australia raised its terror threat level to high amid concerns of the growing number of Australians "working with, connected to or inspired by" Islamist groups.
A local priest was quoted as saying the people in the vehicle threatened to "kill the Christians". Officials say dozens of Australians have gone to fight in the Middle East for jihadist groups such as Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra (also known as the al-Nusra Front).
Last week, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the country had raised its terror threat level to high amid concerns of the growing number of Australians "working with, connected to or inspired by" Islamist groups.
Officials say dozens of Australians have gone to fight for jihadist groups such as Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra (also known as the al-Nusra Front) in the Middle East.
Officials are worried about the impact of both returning fighters and supporters of these groups on domestic security.
At least 60 Australians are believed to be fighting with jihadist groups in Syria and northern Iraq, and 15 Australians have been killed so far in these conflicts, including two suicide bombers.At least 60 Australians are believed to be fighting with jihadist groups in Syria and northern Iraq, and 15 Australians have been killed so far in these conflicts, including two suicide bombers.
About 100 more Australians are thought to be actively supporting these groups, they say. About 100 more Australians are thought to be actively supporting these groups, police say.
Last week, police raided an Islamic centre in Queensland and arrested two men. Officials are worried about the impact of both returning fighters and supporters of these groups on domestic security.
It is the first time Australia has moved from medium to high - the second-highest rank - since the threat level system was introduced in 2003. It is the first time Australia's threat level has moved from medium to high - the second-highest rank - since the system was introduced in 2003.
"Medium" means an attack could occur. "High" means an attack is likely and "extreme" means an attack is imminent or has occurred."Medium" means an attack could occur. "High" means an attack is likely and "extreme" means an attack is imminent or has occurred.
Australia has also recently committed troops to the fight against Islamic State.
Mr Abbott, who has been spending a week in an indigenous area in northern Australia, is heading back south to see off departing troops.
Are you in Sydney or Brisbane? Did you witness the counter-terrorism operation? Tell us your experience by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.ukAre you in Sydney or Brisbane? Did you witness the counter-terrorism operation? Tell us your experience by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
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