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.
Olympic gold medalist Allisha Gray hopes to be part of US 3x3 team in Paris Games
Partnerships urged to bolster content industry in Asia
Spring flower season boosts tourism industry in Hanzhong, NW China
Automotive industry races to meet growing demand
World Intelligent Manufacturing Conference 2023 opens in Nanjing
Multiple safety issues haunt Boeing
Remains of Li Keqiang Cremated in Beijing
Minnesota State Sen. Nicole Mitchell charged with first
Top execs spotlight China's growth opportunities