Australian police prevent anti-Semitic attack with explosives truck

Australian police prevent anti-Semitic attack with explosives truck

Australian police recently prevented a possible anti-Semitic attack when they discovered a trailer loaded with explosives in northwest Sydney. This discovery is causing unrest in the Jewish community after a series of arson and graffiti incidents occurred in the area. New South Wales (NSW) Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson made the announcement in a press conference on Wednesday.

Discovery of the explosives-laden trailer

Police found the trailer on a rural property in Dural on January 19 after being tipped off about the vehicle. Hudson said the trailer contained explosives and there was evidence that they were intended to be used in an anti-Semitic attack. An anti-Semitic note was also found in the vehicle, CNN partner 7News reported.

Joint investigations by security authorities

A joint counter-terrorism team comprising NSW Police, the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the NSW Crime Commission and the Australian Security and Intelligence Organization (ASIO) has launched the investigation. Over 100 officers were mobilized to assess the situation and identify potential perpetrators.

Appeal from the authorities to the public

Hudson mentioned that "peripheral" arrests have been made, but the search is continuing for additional people who may have been involved. He asked the public to come forward if anyone saw the trailer in a “dangerous position.” According to Hudson, the current threat to the Jewish community has been contained. “We understand the concerns of the Jewish community and take these threats extremely seriously,” he added.

Change in the nature of anti-Semitic attacks

During the press conference, Hudson stressed that the discovery of the pendant signals a possible shift in the type of anti-Semitic attacks that have recently increased in Sydney, such as graffiti and arson. “This is certainly an escalation as it involves the use of explosives that have the potential to cause significant damage,” he said.

Political reactions and expressions of solidarity

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said in a statement: "I want to be clear that anyone seeking this level of force will face the full force of a massive and expanding police force." Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also condemned the incident and stressed that “hatred and extremism have no place in Australian society.”