Australia police arrest 5 teenagers for allegedly planning an Islamic State inspired terror attack

By NewsGram Staff Writer

Amid the rising number of Australians joining the ranks of Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, five men in Melbourne were arrested by Australian counter terrorism police on Saturday.

The officials have stated that the five teenagers were outlining an IS inspired attack on Anzac Day ceremony.

Anzac Day is one of Australia's imminent national commemorative occasions. Also, it marks the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the first world war.

Out of the five teenagers, two boys, both aged 18 years, were arraigned with terrorism related offenses in Melbourne, and will be produced in the Melbourne magistrate court today.

A third teenager was charged with weapons offences, and two others are also taken under custody.

"It is alleged both men were undertaking preparations for a terrorist attack at an Anzac Day activity in Melbourne which included targeting police officers," said Australian Federal Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Neil Gaughan.

He also added that it was suspected that the attack would have involved the use of knives.