Seven arrested in massive counter terrorism raids

Seven minors have been arrested in raids across Sydney with the Australian Federal Police focussed on those allegedly adhering to a ‘religiously motivated violent extremist ideology’.

More than 400 members of a joint counter-terrorism team from the state and federal police forces began raiding homes about 11.15am on Wednesday.

The raids, which were a response to last Monday’s stabbing at an Assyrian church in Wakeley – an alleged terror incident.

NSW Police say there is currently no threat to public safety and the raids had no connection to Anzac Day commemorations on Thursday.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed the raids were in relation to the incident at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, western Sydney, last Monday.

NSW Police’s Joint Counter Terrorism Team are executing a number of search warrants across Sydney on Wednesday in relation to an alleged stabbing church stabbing (stock image)

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said the security organisation was involved in the operation as a part of the Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCCT).

‘My officers are connected and involved and embedded inside the joint counter-terrorism team,’ Mr Burgess told the National Press Club.

The JCCT also includes Australian Federal Police, NSW Police and the NSW Crime Commission.

A 16-year-old male, who can not be identified for legal reasons, is accused of stabbing Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, 55, while he was delivering a livestreamed sermon in front of parishioners.

The teenager had been charged with terrorism offences and was refused bail.

The use of the term terrorism by police indicates authorities believe the incident was religiously or politically motivated.

Witnesses to the attack said the alleged perpetrator used the Islamic phrase ‘Allahu Akbar’ and while being detained he allegedly said in Arabic that the bishop had denigrated ‘my prophet’.

The stabbing sparked a riot outside the church with about 2,000 people chanting ‘bring him out’ and ‘an eye for an eye’ as police kept the youth inside due to fears for his safety.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed the raids were in relation to an alleged stabbing at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, Western Sydney

Dozens of police were injured, their cars vandalised and some officers and paramedics sheltered inside the church

Police made their first arrest in relation to the riots just hours prior to the teen being charged with terrorism.

Four others, including a 17-year-old boy, have been arrested and face charges for their alleged involvement in the incident.

Police released images of nine other men they wish to speak to in relation to the riots. Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

More to come.

Read more