Australian PM: Terror Plot To Bring Down Plane Foiled

Australian authorities conducted sweeping raids in several Sydney suburbs, arresting four men allegedly plotting to bomb a commercial jetliner. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said that increased security measures have been extended to all major international and domestic terminals throughout the nation, and that counter-terrorism operations were still ongoing. Meanwhile, Australian Justice Minister Michael Keenan revealed the plot was the 13th significant threat disrupted by police since the country’s terrorist threat level was elevated in 2014. That year, Man Haron Monis held some 20 people hostage for 16 hours inside the Lindt café in the capital, as much of the world watched the attack unfold on television screens. Two hostages were killed in the siege while four other people, including a police officer, were injured. Since then, Australia has been hit by five terrorist attacks, including multiple stabbings and, notably, a shooting targeting New South Wales police that left one person dead.