Security concerns for Gallipoli
Security will be tight at centenary commemorations of the Gallipoli landing as concerns grow Turkey is a weak link in the fight against Islamic State.
The Weekend West understands that ASIO will conduct a thorough threat assessment of the event - which is expected to be attended by 8000 Australians and dignitaries, including Prince Charles and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Western nations including Australia are becoming increasingly alarmed by Turkey's failure to stop the flow of extremists across its border to Syria and Iraq.
Turkey is the main entry point into Syria and Iraq and also the main route IS uses to smuggle oil and other stolen goods out of Iraq to fund its deadly network.
Turkey has so far refused to join air strikes on Islamic extremists even though other Muslim nations in the region, including United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, have been keen to promote their role in tackling IS.
An estimated 1000 Turks are thought to have joined IS. Tony Abbott yesterday met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in New York, where it is understood he raised preparations for the Gallipoli centenary event.
The Prime Minister also spoke to Mr Erdogan about the threat posed by IS and the plight of Kurdish refugees fleeing from Syria into Turkey.
The security operation around the Gallipoli centenary event at Anzac Cove in April is likely to be one of the largest run by Turkish authorities in recent times.
A spokesman for the Department of Veterans' Affairs confirmed security for the event was under review.
"The Australian and New Zealand Governments are continuing to work closely with our Turkish hosts on security arrangements to ensure the delivery of a safe, solemn and dignified commemoration," the spokesman said.
It has been claimed that 300 Australians who won a ticket to attend the Gallipoli commemoration handed their ticket back after realising how expensive the trip would be. Peter Jennings, director of think tank the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said this week he believed security arrangements around the event would need to be looked at afresh in the face of the IS threat.
Mr Jennings also cautioned that Australians travelling to neighbouring countries before and after the Anzac centenary ceremony could be targeted after the call from IS to target Westerners.
