By SAT News Desk
MELBOURNE, 18 March 2021: In a joint counter terrorism operation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Victoria Police and the AISO ( Australian Security Intelligence Organisation), and other agencies which form part of the Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) have charged two men following an operation yesterday.
Video source- AFP
Three males were arrested in Epping and Pascoe Vale this morning. Those arrested were 20, 19, and 16 years old respectively. An AFP media release says, “It will be alleged that a 19-year-old Epping man attempted to engage in a terrorist act. He was interviewed by police in relation to suspected terrorism offenses. A 20-year-old Epping man also remains in custody while a 16-year-old Pascoe Vale youth was released pending further inquiries.
A 19-year-old Epping man has been charged with an attempted terrorist act, intentionally cause injury, act in preparation of terrorist act, and membership of a prescribed terrorist organisation (ISIS). A 20-year-old Epping man has been charged with one count of attempted terrorist act.
Both are expected to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today. A 16-year-old Pascoe Vale boy has been released without charge.
The trio was arrested yesterday as part of a Victoria Joint Counter Terrorism Team investigation. The operation is ongoing, however, at this time police do not anticipate further arrests. Furthermore, the arrests are not linked to any previous operational activity.
Victoria police have urged anyone with information about an extremist activity or possible threats to the community should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you may think the information may be. Report any suspicious activity to Triple Zero (000), Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the National Security Hotline on 1800 1234 00.
