Breaking News: Counter terror raids in Melbourne

Police are carrying out anti-terror raids in Melbourne linked to the arrest of five men accused of planning to flee Australia by boat to fight with Islamic State in Syria.

Anti Terror raid

A man will appear in court following a series of raids by anti-terror police. Source: AAP

Victoria Police on Tuesday said the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team was executing a number of warrants in the north and northwestern suburbs of Melbourne as a part of Operation Middleham.

"This operational activity is not linked to any increased threat or danger to the community," a police spokeswoman said in statement.

Five men, all from Melbourne and including Islamic preacher Musa Cerantonio, were arrested near Cairns a week ago towing a seven-metre vessel en route to the tip of Cape York.

They allegedly planned to go by boat to Indonesia and then on to Syria.

Over the weekend they were charged with making preparations for incursions into foreign countries to engage in hostile activities.

They are due to face the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

"As the matter is before the court we are unable to comment further," the Victoria Police spokeswoman said on Tuesday when announcing the raids were underway.


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By Mosiqi Acharya
Source: AAP

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