An alleged plan to kidnap and behead a random Australian appears to have been thwarted by police who arrested 15 people in a series of dawn raids across Sydney and Brisbane this morning.
Unconfirmed details of the plot emerged as one suspect, Omarjan Azari , 22, faced court in Sydney on a charge of preparing or planning for a terrorist attack.
He is accused of conspiring with Mohammed Ali Baryalei, who has been identified as the most senior Australian to be involved in the terror group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
It’s alleged that one of the suspects planned to kidnap a random Australian, film their execution by beheading and post a video of it on social media.
The victim would then be draped in an ISIL flag, it was claimed.
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipone did not confirm details of the alleged plot but said: “What we can indicate is that the violence was to be perpetrated on a member of the public on the streets at a very high level.
“Today’s operation reflects the reality of the threat that we face.
“Right now is a time for calm, we don’t need to whip this up, we need to let people know that they are safe.”
A spate of recent beheadings by ISIL in Syria has sent shockwaves around the world. Among victims are US journalist James Foley and British aid worker David Haines.
The raids come less than a week after the Federal Government lifted Australia’s terror alert to high. Fears of an attack on Australian soil have been expressed.
At court today, Commonwealth prosecutor Michael Allnutt alleged Azari’s plan was designed to “shock, horrify, and terrify” the community.
Azari’s legal team made no application for bail and his case has been adjourned until November 13.
