There is concern about the momentum the Islamic State group seems to be gaining in Australia after a major counter-terrorism operation, Radio New Zealand reports.
A Sydney man is in custody, accused of plotting to behead a random member of the public in what prosecutors said was a plans to shock, horrify, and terrify the Australian public.
Omarjan Azari, 22, is one of 15 people detained when 800 police raided homes in Sydney and Brisbane on Thursday.
Australia's Acting Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin said Azari was the ringleader of a larger group. He said the young age of those under investigation is of particular concern.
“We've seen the reach of ISIL, the reach of the conflicts into countries like Australia, into our communities. It's quite strong and it's concerning.”
The ABC reports the man behind the plot is believed to be Australia's most senior Islamic State member, Mohammad Ali Baryalei. It's understood he called contacts in Australia and directed them to carry out a campaign of random public beheadings in Sydney and Brisbane.
Acting Commissioner Colvin said the investigation was ongoing.
