Police in Australia said Thursday they believe they “neutralized” a possible Christmas Day terrorist attack at several landmarks in the country.
At a press conference, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said seven people — believed to have been inspired by the Islamic State — had been arrested in connection to the planned attacks. Ashton described the plot as a “multi-mode attack, possibly on Christmas day” involving explosives and other weapons.
Police have been investigating this plot for several weeks, he said.
“As a result of this investigation, we believe that we have neutralized that threat,” Ashton said.
The police commissioner listed Federation Square, Flinders Street station and St. Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne as possible targets.
