EXCLUSIVE:HORRIFIC allegations have emerged of a suspected plot to kidnap and behead a ransom Australian and upload it to social media in a deliberate attack against the country.
While the claims remain unconfirmed, Channel Seven reports one the men charged in this morning’s raids in Sydney planned to kidnap a random Australian, execute them by beheading in a public place, possibly Martin Place in Sydney’s CBD, and film the act and post on social media.
Further reports have emerged terrorists planned to drape the victim in an Islamic State flag.
The man, charged for serious terrorism related offences, is due in a Sydney court later today.
Court documents tendered by authorities are expected to detail the man’s plan in full.
“Police believe this group had started planning to commit violent acts in Australia. Those acts related to random acts against public,” Australian Federal Police Acting Commissioner Andrew Colvin said.
Police are carrying out counter-terrorism raids across western Sydney and Brisbane’s south, the largest of their kind in Australian history.
NSW Police said the operation on Thursday morning also involved the Australian Federal Police
In Sydney, officers raided properties in Beecroft, Bellavista, Guildford, Merrylands, Northmead, Wentworthville, Marsfield, Westmead, Castle Hill, Revesby, Bass Hill and Regents Park.
Police said investigations into the group targeted in Thursday’s raids began earlier this year.
Three search warrants were also carried out in Brisbane – in Upper Mount Gravatt East, Logan, and Underwood.
This morning’s raids occurred hours before a Brisbane man charged with terrorism-related offences was due to face the Brisbane Supreme Court to apply for bail.
Omar Succarieh, 31, was charged last week after federal police raided his Islamic bookstore in Logan, south of Brisbane.
Mr Succarieh has been charged with providing financial assistance to terrorist group Jabhat al-Nusra, which is linked to al-Qaeda. He was also charged with planning to enter Syria to “engage in hostile activities”.
It is not clear whether today’s raids are linked to Mr Succarieh.