Counter terror police raid Melbourne homes over alleged IS supporters’ attempt to flee
COUNTER terror police have executed a number of raids in Melbourne related to the five men arrested trying to fight for IS.
COUNTER terror police are raiding a number of homes in Melbourne linked to the arrest of five men who attempted to flee Australia to boat to fight with Islamic State in Syria.
The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team is executing a number of warrants in the city’s northern and northwestern suburbs.
A police spokeswoman told news.com.au the “operational activity” was not linked to increased threat or a danger to the community.
The five men, all from Melbourne, were arrested last week north of Cairns having towed a seven-metre boat up the coast.
The group allegedly planned to sail from Cape York to Indonesia, and fly to Syria.
The alleged wannabe jihadists were led by Islamic preacher Musa Cerantonio, and Shayden Thorne, who was jailed in Saudi Arabia over terrorism charges.
Over the weekend they were charged with making preparations for incursions into foreign countries to engage in hostile activities. They are due to face the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
“As the matter is before the court we are unable to comment further,” the Victoria Police spokeswoman said on Tuesday when announcing the raids were underway.