Terrorism-Related Charges Laid Against Sydney Teens

Two 16-year-old boys from Sydney have been arrested by New South Wales police under terrorism-related charges.

Both teens were arrested by the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team at Bankstown in Sydney yesterday.

According to the ABC, the boys were found in possession of two large bayonet-style knives and religious notes that allegedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. The knives had been bought earlier that day.

The ABC reports one of the teens is allegedly the son of a convicted terrorist. Both of the arrested teens will be facing charges today at Parramatta Children's Court.

As mentioned in the NSW Police press conference this morning, the boys have been charged with acts in preparation to commit a terrorist act and with having membership with a terrorist organisation.

"Those charges are extremely serious charges with the acts in preparation to commit a terrorist act with a maximum life imprisonment," said Deputy Commissioner of NSW Police Catherine Burn.

No information has yet been released as to where the allegedly imminent attack would take place.

Police ensure they were "well aware" of the teenagers. Deputy Burn said it was the 11th planned attack prevented in Australia.

Minister for Justice, Michael Keenan, said, "I would like to reassure the public that following these arrests there is no immediate or ongoing threat to the public."

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