On Thursday, December 18, armed officers from New South Wales Police's special tactics squad intercepted two vehicles in Liverpool, Sydney's southwest, after a tip that a violent act was being planned. The seven men arrested are suspected of plotting an attack in the city still mourning the recent Bondi Beach shooting, Australia's worst mass shooting in nearly 30 years.
Authorities rammed a white hatchback head-on with a police SUV. Footage captured suspects lying face down with their hands zip-tied behind their backs, while one appeared to be bleeding from a head wound.
The arrests were made under Australia's terrorism and national security legislation, a rarely used power that allows authorities to detain and question suspects for up to seven days without filing charges. Deputy Commissioner David Hudson told 702 ABC Radio Sydney on Friday morning, "Our tolerance for risk is very low at the moment following last Sunday's atrocities."
Police have confirmed the men were already on their radar – one individual had been investigated by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation. Authorities believe the group may have links to extremist Islamic ideology, though no specific intent has been proven. Bondi Beach was reported as a potential destination, but investigators say no formal plan has emerged.
As of Friday afternoon, the detainees remain in custody. Police caution that they could be released if no further evidence comes to light, as the city remains on high alert and communities seek assurance that the threat has been neutralised.
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Australian police arrest 7 men suspected over possible 'violent act'
cgtn.com
