Australia detains 15, charges one in major anti-terrorism raid

Australian police detained 15 people and charged one on Thursday, September 18, in what they described as the biggest anti-terrorism operation in the country’s history. More than 800 officers, from the New South Wales and Australian Federal Police forces, took part in the operation in Sydney and Brisbane.

According to a statement issued by the Australian Federal Police, “The operation follows the Joint Counter Terrorism Team investigation of a group of people located in Sydney alleged to have the intent to carry out random attacks on individuals here in Australia. Police believe this 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.” Credit: Courtesy of the Australian Federal Police