Prime Minister Tony Abbott urges Australians not to be deterred from attending Anzac Day events after police uncover alleged terror plot
Prime Minister Tony Abbott has told Australians not to be deterred from attending a Veterans' Day ceremony after a string of suspected terrorists were arrested in Melbourne.
"The best sign of defiance we can give to those who would do us harm is to go about a normal, peaceful, free and fair Australian life," he said.
"And I say to everyone who is thinking of going to an Anzac Day event, please don't be deterred. Turn up in the largest possible numbers to support our country."
His comments came as five Australian teenagers were arrested on suspicion of plotting an Islamic State group-inspired attack on a ceremony in Melbourne, which included targeting police officers, officials said.
The suspects include two 18-year-olds who are alleged to have been preparing the attack. Another 18-year-old was arrested on weapons charges and two other men, aged 18 and 19, were in custody and assisting police.
Police said they believe the plot was inspired by the Islamic State group.
At least 110 Australians have gone to Iraq and Syria to fight alongside extremists, and the nation's security agency is juggling more than 400 high-priority counter-terrorism investigations - more than double the number a year ago.
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