SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (Reuters) — A major security operation was underway in Sydney on Saturday (December 31) with more than 2000 police patrolling harbor side locations following recent counter-terrorism raids.
Australian counter-terror officers arrested a 40-year-old man at Sydney Airport on Thursday (29 December) and charged him with making online threats “relating to New Year’s Eve” festivities in Sydney
The arrest follows police raids across the southern city of Melbourne a week ago, which authorities said foiled an Islamic State-inspired plot to attack prominent sites in the city on Christmas Eve.
NSW Police said in a statement that Operation Talisman is currently underway in Sydney, with officers deployed on the ground, on the water and in the air, around the Harbour and foreshores.
“We have critical infrastructure on the harbour, for example the Opera House and some of the more iconic places around the waterfront and we’ll have patrols there all through the night and you’ll see the police out there relentlessly patrolling and we’ll be in contact with the land police should there be any problem,” Detective Inspector Mark Hutchings of the Marine Area Command told local media.
“My understanding is that the national threat level hasn’t changed but we hope for the best and plan for the worst and we will have resources there to respond should there be an incident,” Hutchings added.
A heightened police presence was clearly visible at Sydney’s Circular Quay on Saturday as tourists and locals alike flooded into the city, attempting to grab the best vantage spot to watch the annual fireworks spectacular.
“Yeah definitely feel safe. I just seen about 80 odd police officers get off one vehicle. You know, I don’t think there’s anything to worry about, I’ve got my family here and my friend’s have got family coming down,” Melbourne resident Patricia Astbury told Reuters
“You shouldn’t change your life because there are people who want to attack you because if you change your life because you’re afraid the people who want you afraid have reached their goal,” said German tourist Lerita Muehle.
“I’d say come on out for the craic, sure. It’s one day there’s loads (of police) about. I feel pretty safe and I’m a million miles from home like, so,” added Irish nurse Roisin Begley.
More than 1.5 million people are expected to attend the $7 million extravaganza, with seven tonnes of fireworks to be launched, including 12,000 shells, 25,000 shooting comets and over 100,000 individual effects, local media reported.