SYDNEY (AP) — Australian police arrested seven teenagers accused of following a violent extremist ideology in raids across Sydney on Wednesday to protect the community from a potential attack, officials said.
The seven, aged 15 to 17, were part of a network that included a 16-year-old boy accused of the stabbing of a bishop in a Sydney church on April 15, police said.
Five other teenagers were still being questioned late Wednesday by the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team, which includes federal and state police as well as the Australian Security Intelligence Organization, the nation’s main domestic spy agency, and the New South Wales Crime Commission, which specializes in extremists and organized crime.
More than 400 police officers executed 13 search warrants at properties across southwest Sydney because the suspects were considered an immediate threat, New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson said.
Beyoncé wows her fans while offering a rare glimpse at her stunning natural hair
Supreme Court rejects appeal from Black Lives Matter activist over Louisiana protest lawsuit
Boston Marathon: Wheelchair racers kick it off from Hopkinton
Israel prepares attack on Rafah as truce talks resume in Egypt
Highlights of Chinese government work report
Hamas chief reaffirms commitment to ceasefire demands
Nation's rich cultural heritage continues to captivate
New Fort Wayne, Indiana, mayor is sworn in a month after her predecessor's death
'Lanting' cultural salon in Auckland celebrates Chinese calligraphy, traditions
Father rescued from migrant boat tragedy in Channel 'watched four
England cricket great Derek Underwood dies at age 78