Men charged over alleged terror plot targeting Sydney CBD

Two men have been charged after police uncovered an alleged Islamic State-inspired plot to attack several targets including police stations, consulates and churches in Sydney's CBD.

Federal and NSW counter-terrorism police raided six properties in Sydney's west on Tuesday morning and arrested three Sydney men aged 20, 23 and 30.

Authorities say the younger men were members of Islamic State.

An AFP spokesman said the 23-year-old was due in court on Wednesday after he was charged with being a member of a terror organisation.

A NSW Police officer talks on the phone during a raid on a home in Greenacre, Sydney in connection to three men charged with terrorism offences.
Police pictured at a raid at a home in Greenacre. Three Sydney men were arrested over an alleged Islamic State-inspired plot. Source: AAP

The 30-year-old was charged with obtaining a financial benefit by deception and granted police bail before his matter goes to court later in July. He has not been charged with terrorism offences.

The third man is expected to be charged with being a member of a terror organisation, preparing for a terrorist act and preparing to enter a foreign country for the purpose of engaging in hostile activities.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Ian McCartney said the plot was in the "early stages" of planning and targeted police stations, defence establishments, embassies and consulates, councils, courts and churches in Sydney's CBD.

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