Prime Minister Tony Abbott issues holiday terror high alert after ASIO and AFP briefing
INTELLIGENCE agencies are fearful of a Christmas holiday terror attack after intercepting increased “chatter” among a group of Sydney-based IS extremists who had been the subject of unprecedented counter-terrorism raids across Sydney in September.
At the time of the Sydney raids it was believed members of the network had been planning to abduct a member of the public and behead them.
Federal Cabinet’s National Security Committee was briefed by ASIO and the Australian Federal Police late yesterday in a meeting that was described as “concerning”.
Senior intelligence sources revealed the advice given to Prime Minister Tony Abbott during the meeting was linked to a second round of raids on the same Sydney group by the AFP and NSW-based counter-terrorism agencies last week.
It was also confirmed the increased chatter among the cell, which until recently had been in contact with terrorist leaders in Syria, had been intercepted since the Martin Place siege.
Mr Abbott stressed there was no specific attack planned and that it was important Australians went about their normal business.
“The briefing from the security agencies indicate that there has been a heightened level of terrorist chatter in the aftermath of the Martin Place siege,’’ he said.
Mr Abbott said it was important Australians were aware of the landscape
“I’m alerting people to that fact the terror threat remains high. At this level an attack is likely,’’ he said.
‘‘We don’t know when and how ... but we do know there are people with the intent and the capability to carry out further attacks.”
All national security agencies have been placed on high alert over Christmas and will be operating in large numbers.
The terrorism threat level was raised in September, however agencies have not yet moved to raise the level further to the highest level, which would only be activated if an imminent attack was expected.
“These are very bad people,” the source said.
Mr Abbott said it was critical Australians continued with their Christmas plans.
“Australians should go about their lives as normal because what terrorists are trying to do is scare us out of being ourselves,’’ he said.
“I want to reassure you, though, that our law enforcement agencies and our security agencies will be working around the clock to keep you as safe as possible over the holiday season.”
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/prime-minister-tony-abbott-issues-holiday-terror-high-aler...
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