Australia ups terror threat to ‘High’
Australia has warned of tighter security to be expected at airports, ports and at large public events as the country’s terror threat level was raised to high for the first time in its history.
It is the first time Australia has moved from medium to high since the threat level system was introduced in 2003.
High is the second highest level and means an attack is likely.
The very highest level, extreme, means an attack is imminent or has taken place.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said security agencies have raised the alert based on "an accumulation of indicators."
The move comes in response to growing concern about the number of Australians "working with, connected to or inspired by" Islamist groups amid militant conflicts in Iraq and Syria, he said.
Abbott stressed that there was no intelligence of specific plots against the country.
"What we do have is intelligence that there are people with the intent and capability to mount attacks here in Australia," he said.
He said although the alert would not be noticeable in daily life, people would notice more security at airports, ports, military bases, government buildings and large public events.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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