This archive report was first published on 2 July 2019.
On July 2, 2019, Australian authorities made a significant breakthrough in their efforts to combat terrorism, arresting three men in connection with alleged terror plots targeting central Sydney.
The men, aged 20, 23, and 30, were apprehended in raids in the city's suburbs after their online activities raised suspicion.
Two of the men will face charges of being members of a terrorist organisation and of preparations to carry out terror attacks.
According to Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Ian McCartney, the plots targeted various facilities, including police stations, defence establishments, embassies, councils, courts, and churches.
The plots were said to be in the early stages, but included moves to import weapons and explosives to target facilities in the central business district.
The third man, described as an associate, will be charged with lesser offences.
Police stated that the men knew each other via social media, including WhatsApp and Telegram, and shared a like-minded philosophy.
The arrests come after Australia passed controversial laws allowing spy agencies and police to access encrypted communications from suspected criminals and terrorists.
One of the suspects had come under the watch of authorities after returning from Lebanon last year, alleging he had made plans to go to Afghanistan to fight with the Islamic State.
Police assured the public that there was no further threat.
