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.
Billie Piper claims her Sky drama I Hate Suzie 'didn't get a big enough audience'
Brice Turang and Jackson Chourio hit back
Simon Cowell reveals why he wears red
Inside Tori Spelling's VERY youthful skater girl makeover following divorce from Dean McDermott
Philippines, U.S. kick off largest
Cristian Arongo has 2 goals, 2 assists as Real Salt Lake beats Fire 4
Ryan Garcia knocks Devin Haney down 3 times and hands his amateur rival his first pro loss
Hundreds of German police subdue 'hooligans' in training exercise for Euro 2024
Joey Meneses hits an RBI single in the 10th inning to lead Nationals past Astros 5
UEFA picks two video review referees at center of controversy for Euro 2024 duty
Rookie Jesse Love claims 1st NASCAR Xfinity Series win in another wild Talladega finish