Seven people were arrested near Bondi Beach on Thursday over what authorities believe was a second planned terrorist attack, just days after Islamic State group-affiliated gunmen massacred over a dozen Hanukkah celebrants.
Australian counterterrorism officers rammed two vehicles en route to Bondi Beach. Police said seven people in total were arrested on the spot over what they believe was a suspected terrorism plot, possibly targeting funeral proceedings or memorials for those killed in the Sunday massacre.
The two vehicles were intercepted a few streets apart, with five passengers taken from one and two from the other. Sources familiar with the investigation told the Sydney Morning Herald that a weapon may have been found in one of the cars. The group was reportedly flagged because they were known to authorities.
Heavily armed police dressed in camouflage and tactical gear intercepted the two cars. Footage showed the suspects detained with zip ties, with some injured and bleeding.
New South Wales police said in a statement that the operation had concluded and the public was safe. “Police have not identified any connection to the current police investigation of the Bondi terror attack,” it said, adding that the operation was carried out over “information received that a violent act was possibly being planned.”
BONDI BEACH MASS SHOOTING SUSPECT CHARGED WITH COMMITTING TERRORIST ACT
Beanbag rounds were used in the operation, Nine News reported, noting holes in the windshield of one of the cars.
The arrests were carried out as Australia reels from the worst terrorist attack in its modern history. Two ISIS-affiliated gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration, killing 15 and wounding 40. One of the gunmen was killed, and the other was wounded.
