CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — The Islamic State plot to carry out random beheadings in Sydney alleged by police is a simple and barbaric scheme that has shaken Australians. But terrorism experts on Friday questioned whether the ruthless movement had the capacity or inclination to sustain a terror campaign so far from the Middle East.

Police said they thwarted such a plot by detaining suspects and raiding more than a dozen properties across Sydney on Thursday.