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Down Under | |||
Urgent Anti-Terror Operation underway in Australia | |||
2006-03-04 | |||
AN urgent anti-terror operation has been launched in Melbourne only 10 days before the Commonwealth Games begin. Senior intelligence sources have told the Sunday Herald Sun that agents are watching known associates of suspects identified during the anti-terrorist sting, Operation Pendennis, which culminated in the arrest of 19 men in Melbourne and Sydney in December. They have also focused on radical Islamic convert Gregory Middap, also known as Helmut Kirsch. Kirsch has a history of violence and was a member of the right-wing National Action group before converting to Islam.
A massive operation aimed at vetting Games tourists and athletes is also in progress. Federal agents will work with police and intelligence agencies from around the world, combing the visas and details of the thousands of athletes and tourists coming to Melbourne. Overseas agencies have been passing on information about people and plans that may represent a threat to the Games. The ASIO and AFP activity comes as the Games security effort steps up. Several of Australia's frontline fighter jets, the F/A-18s, will arrive in Melbourne this week, with pilots authorised to shoot down any rogue aircraft.
Ships will be ready to sink vessels that may be planning to use the Yarra River as a staging post for an attack on the MCG and an Australian Navy warship will be on alert in Port Philip Bay. Crucial sites such as the MCG, Parliament, Federation Square and the Sports and Aquatic Centre will be under 24-hour CCTV surveillance. Connex has also installed transparent rubbish bins at city train stations. The bins will enable authorities to see bombs or other suspect packages easier. | |||
Posted by:Oztralian |