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Australian Raids Were Over ISIS 'Demonstration Killing' Plot: PM

The "counter-terrorism" raids carried out Thursday were ordered over fears ISIS was urging "demonstration killings" in Australia, PM Tony Abbott said.
Image: Police arrest an unidentified person as part of a counter-terror operation in Sydney
Police arrest an unidentified person as part of a counter-terrorism operation in Sydney.NSW Police via Twitter

Australia's prime minister says intelligence that ISIS supporters were planning to carry out a killing to demonstrate its abilities led to counterterrorism raids in Sydney.

Australian police detained 15 people Thursday in a major counterterrorism operation, saying intelligence indicated a random, violent attack was being planned in Australia. Prime Minister Tony Abbott told reporters that "exhortations" were coming from an Australian who is senior in the ISIS movement to support networks in Australia to "conduct demonstration killings." He did not name the Australian.

Police say 800 federal and state police officers raided more than a dozen properties across Sydney as part of the operation — the largest in Australian history. Police say one person was charged with serious terrorism-related offenses and was scheduled to appear in court Thursday.

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— The Associated Press