Australian police have successfully thwarted a potential antisemitic attack in northwest Sydney after discovering a trailer packed with explosives on a rural property in Dural. The alarming discovery has raised concerns within the Jewish community following a series of recent arson and graffiti incidents.
The New South Wales (NSW) Police were alerted to the suspicious vehicle on January 19 and upon investigation, found the trailer containing explosives with indications that they were intended for an antisemitic attack. Deputy Police Commissioner David Hudson confirmed the findings during a news conference, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
A joint counter-terrorism team, comprising NSW Police, Australian Federal Police (AFP), NSW Crime Commission, and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident. More than 100 officers have been deployed to handle the case, with some peripheral arrests already made as part of the ongoing operation.
Hudson urged anyone who may have witnessed the vehicle parked in a suspicious manner to come forward and assist with the investigation. He reassured the public that the current threat to the Jewish community has been contained, acknowledging the community's concerns and emphasizing the authorities' commitment to addressing such threats.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, Hudson noted that the discovery of the explosives marked a significant escalation from the recent antisemitic incidents involving graffiti and arson in Sydney. The potential for extensive damage posed by the explosives underscores the gravity of the threat.
NSW State Premier Chris Minns issued a stern warning, emphasizing that any individual attempting such acts of violence would face a robust response from law enforcement. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also condemned the attempted attack, reaffirming that hate and extremism have no place in Australian society.
