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| Down Under |
| Australian Intelligence issues warning over new terror group |
| 2005-11-05 |
| AUSTRALIA faces new terrorist threats from a radical group that has only this week been identified by ASIO, according to intelligence sources. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation is investigating the new terrorist cell. It is said to be planning attacks - designed to cause mass casualties - in Melbourne and Sydney. Sources say security services were surprised by revelations of the group's existence. The group is believed to be made up of Australian-born children of Muslim immigrants. An intelligence source said: "This is a disturbing development. "This new group appears to have been planning or considering carrying out extremely violent acts that would result in very large numbers of casualties. "This is something new - it is not related to people whose names are already in the public domain." The Sunday Herald Sun also has learned that Chechen terrorists skilled in bomb making have established links with radical Islamic groups in Melbourne and Sydney. It is understood some members of these groups have travelled to the southern Philippines, where Chechen groups have been instructing Islamic militants in bomb making techniques. The new terror threat was relayed to Attorney-General Philip Ruddock on Monday and then made public on Wednesday by Prime Minister John Howard. Mr Ruddock called on Australians yesterday to be alert to new threats, and help authorities. "All Australians should be alert to unusual activities that suggest something might be possible," he said. "It is better to be prudent and use the 1800 number (1800 123 400). My view is that it is better if people err on the side of caution. "I would have to say the authorities have been aided in a number of inquiries from information they have received from the public." ASIO has long been probing links between radical Muslims in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as any connections they had to al-Qaida or Chechen terrorists. In June, ASIO raided on houses in Melbourne and Sydney. The raids were part of Operation Pandanus, a year-long investigation prompted by people acting suspiciously outside the stock exchange in Melbourne. But ASIO received new information this week that pointed to plans being hatched by a new group, believed to be Islamist and violent. This week's threat prompted the Government to recall the Senate to pass an amended law giving authorities greater power to act against terrorists. |
| Posted by:God Save The World AKA Oztralian |
| #2 Chechens in the PI? First I heard of that. Any other confirmation of them being there? |
| Posted by: 49 pan 2005-11-05 15:00 |
| #1 "All Australians should be alert to unusual activities that suggest something might be possible," he said. Applies to free men everywhere. |
| Posted by: Besoeker 2005-11-05 12:42 |