Anzac Day Gallipoli terror plot suspect remains in custody

Police are keeping details of a terror plot on the Anzac Day celebrations in Gallipoli under wraps, as the suspect remains in custody without charge.

Turkish military police keep a watchful eye at a security checkpoint following the Dawn Service ceremony at the Anzac Cove beach. Picture: AP

The suspected Islamic State supporter who was plotting to attack Anzac Day celebrations will remain in custody for another four days.

Abdulkerim Hilef will be held for a total of a week without charge as investigations continue.

He was arrested earlier this week after reports he was plotting to drive a car through crowds or leave a bomb at the Gallipoli ceremonies.

Police in Turkey have not revealed precise details of the plot.

Army officers observe a minute of silence during a Dawn Service ceremony at Anzac Cove Beach, at Canakkale on the Gallipoli Peninsula early. Picture: AFP

News Corp Australia has been told that he was not in possession of any weapons when he was arrested.

“There was no weapons, but he had SIM cards on him. They are checking who he was talking to,” a source said.

“They will hold him for a week.”

Hilef’s arrest — revealed on the eve of the dawn service — follows a terrorism crackdown by Turkish authorities.

Syrian national Abdulkerim Hilef arrested for the Islamic State terror plot on Gallipoli's dawn service.

Four Islamic State “emirs” or leaders were arrested on April 14 and a further three were picked up that week.

Turkish authorities were investigating whether the group was a cell planning to attack Gallipoli services or plotting against other targets.

The defeat of the Islamic State in Syria has seen some former soldiers move abroad.

The threat posed by them remains high as they have the training and capability to carry out attacks.

A bagpiper plays during the Australian Memorial Service at Lone Pine, at Canakkale on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Picture: AFP

The Anzac Cove dawn service and the Lone Pine memorial went on as planned under heavy security.

Snipers were in camouflage on the beach at the dawn service and airport style security was in place at both events.

There were 1434 people in attendance, with groups of young people making up a large section of the crowd.

The services were to commemorate the 8000 Australian soldiers lost in the failed, poorly planned invasion on Turkey on April 25, 1915.

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Originally published as Anzac Day Gallipoli terror plot suspect remains in custody