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Australia's most senior Islamic State member 'arranged for random beheadings in Sydney, Brisbane'; Omarjan Azari, believed to be involved in alleged plot, faces court
By Karl Hoerr, Lucy Carter and staff
Updated 18 Sep 2014, 6:11pmThu 18 Sep 2014, 6:11pm
Police outside a house
PHOTO: More than 800 police officers were involved in raids in Sydney and Brisbane. (ABC News: Lucy Carter)
RELATED STORY: Live: Huge anti-terrorism raids in Sydney and BrisbaneRELATED STORY: Anti-terror operation foils plot to 'commit violent acts'
MAP: Guildford 2161
A man believed to be Australia's most senior Islamic State member called contacts in Australia and asked them to carry out a campaign of random public beheadings in Sydney and Brisbane, the ABC understands.
Mohammad Ali Baryalei, a former Kings Cross bouncer and part-time actor, is understood to have made the instruction to kidnap people in Brisbane and Sydney and have them executed on camera.
That video was then to be sent back to Islamic State's media unit in the Middle East, where it would be publically released.
Omarjan Azari, 22, one of about 15 people detained during a large counter-terrorism operation in Sydney and Brisbane this morning, is accused of conspiring with Mr Baryalei and others to act in preparation or plan a terrorist act or acts, court documents show.
The ABC understands that during the raids in Brisbane, police arrested some suspects who had machetes, balaclavas and military fatigues in preparation to carry out the similar and simultaneous attacks.
Afghan refugee to IS facilitator
A 730 investigation examines Australia's most senior Islamic State member Mohammad Ali Baryalei, who recruited young Muslims to fight in the Middle East.
Police made their move this morning to disrupt a group of mostly Afghan Australians 48 hours after that phone call, concerned at how close it was to going ahead.
Authorities believe Mr Baryalei, 33, has recruited at least half of the 60 Australians currently fighting with IS and has a trusted position in the operational command of the al-Qaeda-linked group.
Commonwealth prosecutor Michael Allnutt told Sydney's Central Local Court the alleged offence was "clearly designed to shock, horrify and terrify the community".
Mr Allnutt said there was "a plan to commit extremely serious offences" that involved an "unusual level of fanaticism".
The court was told the charges against Azari stemmed from a single phone call intercepted earlier this week.
"It's been an immediate reaction to a clear, imperative danger," Mr Allnutt said.
"There is still an enormous amount of material for police to assess."
Analysis: A job for Morrison
Tough and uncompromising, Scott Morrison is just the politician to respond to the threat of terrorism, writes Barrie Cassidy.
Azari did not apply for bail and the case was adjourned until November 13.
More than 800 officers launched raids as part of Operation Appleby in suburbs across Sydney's west and north-west, with a further 70 police involved in raids on properties in Brisbane's south.
The ABC understands Azari was arrested at a property on Bursill Street in Guildford in Sydney's west, which has been searched by forensic officers.
Extra police arrived with shovels this afternoon and started digging up the front and back gardens.
Digging was also underway at some of the 24 other properties raided in Sydney this morning, while at least one property at Revesby was going to be examined with metal detectors.
Police would not comment on what they were looking for.
Federal Attorney-General George Brandis told 774 ABC Melbourne authorities first became aware of the terrorist plot in May but were only able to take action today.
"A, that there was enough evidence to charge someone, and B, that the public safety demanded that his conspiracy be interdicted and stopped now," he said.
The Government urged the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Australia's most senior Islamic State member 'arranged for random beheadings in Sydney, Brisbane'; Omarjan Azari, believed to be involved in alleged plot, faces court
By Karl Hoerr, Lucy Carter and staff
Updated 18 Sep 2014, 6:11pmThu 18 Sep 2014, 6:11pm
Police outside a house
PHOTO: More than 800 police officers were involved in raids in Sydney and Brisbane. (ABC News: Lucy Carter)
RELATED STORY: Live: Huge anti-terrorism raids in Sydney and BrisbaneRELATED STORY: Anti-terror operation foils plot to 'commit violent acts'
MAP: Guildford 2161
A man believed to be Australia's most senior Islamic State member called contacts in Australia and asked them to carry out a campaign of random public beheadings in Sydney and Brisbane, the ABC understands.
Mohammad Ali Baryalei, a former Kings Cross bouncer and part-time actor, is understood to have made the instruction to kidnap people in Brisbane and Sydney and have them executed on camera.
That video was then to be sent back to Islamic State's media unit in the Middle East, where it would be publically released.
Omarjan Azari, 22, one of about 15 people detained during a large counter-terrorism operation in Sydney and Brisbane this morning, is accused of conspiring with Mr Baryalei and others to act in preparation or plan a terrorist act or acts, court documents show.
The ABC understands that during the raids in Brisbane, police arrested some suspects who had machetes, balaclavas and military fatigues in preparation to carry out the similar and simultaneous attacks.
Afghan refugee to IS facilitator
A 730 investigation examines Australia's most senior Islamic State member Mohammad Ali Baryalei, who recruited young Muslims to fight in the Middle East.
Police made their move this morning to disrupt a group of mostly Afghan Australians 48 hours after that phone call, concerned at how close it was to going ahead.
Authorities believe Mr Baryalei, 33, has recruited at least half of the 60 Australians currently fighting with IS and has a trusted position in the operational command of the al-Qaeda-linked group.
Commonwealth prosecutor Michael Allnutt told Sydney's Central Local Court the alleged offence was "clearly designed to shock, horrify and terrify the community".
Mr Allnutt said there was "a plan to commit extremely serious offences" that involved an "unusual level of fanaticism".
The court was told the charges against Azari stemmed from a single phone call intercepted earlier this week.
"It's been an immediate reaction to a clear, imperative danger," Mr Allnutt said.
"There is still an enormous amount of material for police to assess."
Analysis: A job for Morrison
Tough and uncompromising, Scott Morrison is just the politician to respond to the threat of terrorism, writes Barrie Cassidy.
Azari did not apply for bail and the case was adjourned until November 13.
More than 800 officers launched raids as part of Operation Appleby in suburbs across Sydney's west and north-west, with a further 70 police involved in raids on properties in Brisbane's south.
The ABC understands Azari was arrested at a property on Bursill Street in Guildford in Sydney's west, which has been searched by forensic officers.
Extra police arrived with shovels this afternoon and started digging up the front and back gardens.
Digging was also underway at some of the 24 other properties raided in Sydney this morning, while at least one property at Revesby was going to be examined with metal detectors.
Police would not comment on what they were looking for.
Federal Attorney-General George Brandis told 774 ABC Melbourne authorities first became aware of the terrorist plot in May but were only able to take action today.
"A, that there was enough evidence to charge someone, and B, that the public safety demanded that his conspiracy be interdicted and stopped now," he said.
The Government urged the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
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