Australia thwarts terrorist plot to bomb airplane.

(Baonghean.vn) - Security has been increased at Australian airports after police successfully thwarted plans "inspired by Islamic extremism" aimed at bombing aircraft during counter-terrorism raids. The Australian Federal Police also confirmed the arrest of four men on July 29th.

Police officers in protective gear speak with colleagues after a counter-terrorism raid that resulted in the arrest of four suspects on July 30 in the suburbs of Sydney, Australia. Photo: Reuters

“In recent days, law enforcement has received information that some individuals in Sydney are plotting a terrorist act using a homemade device,” Police Chief Andrew Colvin said at a press conference with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on July 30, adding:

“We believe it was an act of terrorism inspired by Islamic extremism. Exactly what was behind it will require a full investigation. At this point, we don’t have much information about the attack, the location, the date, or the specific time. However, we are investigating information suggesting that the aviation industry may have been a target…”

On July 29, local police searched five buildings across the Surry Hills, Lakemba, Punchbowl and Wiley Park areas in suburban Sydney, Chief Constable Colvin said four of those searches could continue in the coming days.

A spokesperson for the Australian Federal Police also told Reuters that those arrested had not yet been charged as of the morning of July 30.

Prime Minister Turnbull said that recommendations from Australian security and intelligence agencies helped to strengthen security measures at Sydney Airport on July 28, while other domestic and international airports in the country also saw tighter security from July 29.

"Some measures will be obvious to people, some won't," Turnbull said.

Mr. Colvin also said passengers should anticipate an increased police and security presence at airports.

"Passengers may have to wait longer for thorough baggage screening, including checked and carry-on, to be conducted," adding that passengers need to allow more time to pass through security.

Security has been heightened in Australia in recent days. Photo: Reuters

Australia, a close ally of the US, has been on high alert since 2014 due to the risk of attacks by militants returning from the Middle East war or those who support it.

Authorities in the country claim to have thwarted numerous attack plots since then, but there have still been a number of "lone wolf" attacks, including one at a Sydney café that left two hostages and the attacker dead.

Last month, Australia's immigration minister said that around 100 people had left Australia to fight in Syria alongside organizations such as the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS).

Phu Binh

(According to Reuters)