Seven juveniles were arrested across Sydney in a joint counter-terrorism

operation on Wednesday, after the stabbing of a religious leader in a Wakeley Church last week.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) deputy commissioner Krissy Barrett confirmed at a press conference that “seven people, all juveniles,

have been arrested, and a further five are assisting police with our inquiries.”

The police added, “As part of our JCTT (Joint Counter Terrorism Team) investigation into the alleged Wakeley stabbing, we identified links between the alleged offender and the network of associates and peers who we believe share similar violent extremist ideology.”

The operation commenced at around 11:15 a.m. local time and involved more than 400 officers of the AFP and New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF).

A total of 13 search warrants were executed across south-western Sydney.

David Hudson, deputy commissioner of NSWPF, said that following the seizure of a 16-year-old offender, several associates were identified

that warranted further close attention and investigation.

“We will allege that these individuals adhere to a religiously motivated violent extremist ideology. These investigations have been progressing since the incident. The investigations included comprehensive surveillance activities and intensive scrutiny of those individuals,’’ said Mr Hudson.

According to his briefing, meetings were held on Tuesday among partner agencies and they determined to escalate their activities.

“It is considered that the group, subject of our attention, posed an unacceptable risk and threat to the people of New South Wales. Our current purely investigative strategies could not adequately ensure public safety,’’ Mr Hudson added.

He also told reporters that the arrested teenagers are “all obviously from very similar areas” in the community.

“They are all known to each other, some loosely, some quite closely, but all are linked to the common purpose we believe at this stage,”

said the deputy commissioner.

On April 15, police were called to a Wakeley church in Sydney at about 7:10 p.m. local time following reports of a stabbing.

A 53-year-old religious leader was found with significant injuries to his head.

A 16-year-old was arrested at the scene and later charged with committing a terrorist act, an offence which could carry a maximum penalty of imprisonment for life. 

(Xinhua/NAN)