Delays as security increased at Australian airports

Stricter screening of passengers and luggage at Australian airports will stay in place indefinitely after police foiled an alleged "Islamic-inspired" plot to bring down a plane.


Local media said the plot may have involved a bomb or poisonous gas.

The increased security procedures were put in place after four men were arrested at the weekend in raids conducted across sseveral Sydney suburbs.

The men are being held without charge under special terror-related powers.

The Australian Federal Police would not confirm media reports the alleged plot may have involved a bomb disguised in a meat grinder or the planned release of poisonous gas inside a plane.

Police  Commissioner Andrew Colvin told reporters that the plot specifics were still being investigated.

"What you are seeing at the moment is making sure that there is extra vigilance, to make sure that we aren't cutting any corners in our security, to make sure that we are absolutely focused on our security," Commissioner Colvin said.

Yesterday, he said police believed the plot is "Islamic-inspired terrorism".

Police were still searching several Sydney properties for evidence.
[rte.ie]
31/7/17