- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

Australia Raises Level Alert to ‘High’ Amid Reports of Looming Terrorist Attack

Subscribe
The government of Australia has raised the country's terror alert to "high" for the first time since 2003, according to the country's national security portal.

MOSCOW, September 12 (RIA Novosti) - The government of Australia has raised the country's terror alert to "high" for the first time since 2003, according to the country's national security portal.

"Australia is at HIGH level of alert," the statement said.

According to Bloomberg, the alert was raised from "medium" to "high" after reports by Australia's intelligence that the possibility of a terror attack looms large. "High" is just one level away from the "extreme", which posits an imminent attack, or an attack that has already occurred.

"What we do have is intelligence that there are people with the intent and the capability to mount attacks," Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott was quoted by Bloomberg as saying Friday.

The Australian government estimates 60 to 70 Australians are assisting Islamic State militants in their fight in Iraq and Syria.

"The Australian government has become aware in recent months that the problem is much bigger than it previously thought," Greg Barton, a professor at Monash University's School of Political and Social Inquiry in Melbourne told Bloomberg. "The links between foreign-based fighters and home-grown extremists have become more apparent."

Bloomberg reported that the increased level of alert will tighten security controls at airports, ports, government buildings as well as at public gatherings, including major sports events like this month's Australian Football League final that is expected to attract up to 100,000 fans.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала