Australia says it has foiled a plot to blow up an airliner with an ‘improvised device.’
Federal Police, the New South Wales state police, and the nation’s Security Intelligence Organization raided various addresses in Sydney and arrested four men.
Federal police commissioner Andrew Colvin called it an Islamic inspired terror plot.
"Exactly what is behind this is something we need to investigate fully," Colvin said.
The four men are thought to be two sets of Australian-Lebanese father and sons.
"We face a range of terrorist threats. Some of them are lone actors, who activate very quickly with very little warning. On other occasions you get quite elaborate conspiracies. This appears to be in that category," Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said.
Security was immediately strengthened at all airports in Australia.
Passengers have been advised to arrive a minimum two hours prior to departure of domestic flights and three hours ahead of international flights.
Media reports say the ‘sophisticated’ device was ready to go and several items were recovered during the raids.
