Australian police say teenagers arrested in Melbourne were planning an ISIL-inspired terror attack. Five men aged 18 and 19 were detained early on
Australian police say teenagers arrested in Melbourne were planning an ISIL-inspired terror attack.
Five men aged 18 and 19 were detained early on Saturday morning in several raids involving some 200 officers.
Police believe there was a plot to target next week’s centenary commemorations of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landings at Gallipoli during World War I.
“An 18-year-old Hallam man and an 18-year-old Hampton Park man were arrested regarding terrorism-related offences. It is alleged both men were undertaking preparations for a terrorist attack at an ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day activity in Melbourne, which included targeting police officers,” said Neil Gaughan of Australian Federal Police.
A third teenager is being held over alleged weapons offences, while two others are in custody.
Ahead of the centenary there has been concern that the Gallipoli campaign, fought against the Muslim Ottoman Empire, might be exploited by extremists as a reason to launch attacks.