Australia: Discovery of Evidence Regarding Potential Terrorist Attack on Government Centers

Following a hostage situation in Sydney, the Prime Minister of Australia has warned of an increase in 'conversations with terrorist themes.' The country's federal police have also arrested two suspects, and according to the police, evidence obtained from one of them contains information about 'potential and possible attacks on government and state facilities.' On December 24, Australian ABC News quoted Michael Flan, a senior member of the Australian Federal Police, stating that evidence from a detained individual has identified potential targets for carrying out possible terrorist attacks in Sydney. These statements were made after the arrest of two individuals in Australia during an anti-terror operation. The two detained individuals are 20 and 21 years old, with one named as Suleiman Khalid, while the name of the other has not been disclosed for legal reasons. Tony Abbott, the Prime Minister of Australia, also told reporters on Tuesday after attending the National Security Committee of Australia that the country's intelligence services have reported an increase in conversations related to terrorist attacks following the recent hostage situation in Sydney. Last week, an Iranian-Australian man, known as 'Haroon Monis,' who had sought asylum in Australia, took hostages at the Lindt café in Sydney, which ended after 16 hours with a police raid and his death along with two hostages. Investigations into this matter are still ongoing. The Australian Federal Police now reports evidence suggesting intentions to carry out attacks on government and state facilities. However, it has been stated that these attacks are not imminent. According to Michael Flan, there is nothing indicating a specific location or time for potential attacks. This announcement is intended to assure citizens that 'the police will act immediately upon obtaining information or becoming aware of any activities.'