AustraliaPossible attack on synagogue in Sydney foiled
SDA
29.1.2025 - 10:29
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns speaks to the media during a press conference, with New South Wales Deputy Police Commissioner David Hudson on the right. Photo: Steven Saphore/AAP/dpa
Keystone
Australian police say they have foiled a major attack with a probable anti-Semitic background.
Keystone-SDA
29.01.2025, 10:29
SDA
Ten days ago, a caravan loaded with explosives was discovered in the north-west of Sydney, in which the address of a synagogue had been found, said the Premier of the state of New South Wales, Chris Minns. If the explosives - which had a range of 40 meters - had detonated, there would probably have been numerous fatalities, he emphasized.
The politician spoke of "a very serious threat" and added: "There's only one name for it, and that's terrorism." An elite anti-terror unit has reportedly been in action for days to investigate the background. However, no arrests have yet been made in connection with the discovery, as confirmed by deputy police chief David Hudson.
Vandalism and arson attacks
In recent months, there has been an increase in anti-Semitic incidents in Sydney, but also in other cities such as Melbourne. In addition to vandalism, there have also been arson attacks. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke of "heinous acts" that have no place in Australia and must stop immediately. Since the Islamist Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023 and the resulting Gaza war, there has been a significant increase in anti-Semitic incidents in Australia.