Alleged terror plotters planned to bring down Sydney to Middle East flight
Alleged terrorism plotters planned to bring down an international flight leaving Sydney Airport for the Middle East, 7 News can reveal.
It can also be revealed that a homemade bomb was discovered following the arrest of four men following Saturday’s raids across Sydney.
They are not charged yet, but are facing intense questioning.
It is an alleged conspiracy of older men for what is being investigated as an old-school terror plot; no lone wolf attacks, knives, guns or cars to run people over with.
This, police say, was a return to sophistication; an alleged plan to smuggle home made explosive devices on board a long haul flight to the Middle East, possibly Dubai, and blow it up.
According to one source, the explosive was “ready to go” and that’s why Joint Counter Terrorism Teams jumped.
“At this stage, four people have been arrested and a considerable amount of material has been seized by police,” Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said.
Seven News has been told the four include a father and son.
Mahmoud Khaylat was dragged from his home at Lakemba, almost naked, wearing only a towel.
His father Khaled was arrested at his home in nearby Wiley Park.
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Karled Merhe and his relative Abdul Merhe were arrested in other raids.
Police are sorting through evidence to see if there is a basis to charge them.
“You can’t wait,” NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said.
“You can’t wait until you put the whole puzzle together. You have to go early because if you get it wrong the consequences are severe.
Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin said the threat had to be taken seriously.
“In that, itself, you should infer we think that this was credible and that there was an intention,” he said.
Justice Minister Michael Keenan said it was the 13th time agencies had disrupted such plans.
As one of the suspects was examined by paramedics in Goodlet Lane at Surry Hills, surrounded by relatives and accusing police of brutality, the Bomb Squad was called to his terrace.
Seven News has been told an explosive device was inside.
Police do not apologise for their use of force.
Responding to the alleged intelligence, Sydney airport’s security had been fortified on Thursday. The nation’s other major airports followed overnight.
“Every day, every hour we are focussed on ensuring that our defences against terrorism are stronger than ever,” Malcolm Turnbull said.
Intelligence from an overseas agency ignited these arrests.
In the past three years, 31 counter-terrorism operations across Australia have seen 70 people charged.
In coming days, police will reveal if these men will add to that tally.
“We do believe it’s Islamic inspired terrorism,” Commissioner Colvin said.
“Exactly what is behind this is something we need to investigate fully.
