Australian authorities carried out an early morning raid Saturday in a joint counterterrorism operation near the city of Melbourne, arresting five teenage men, two of whom were planning a terrorist attack, officials said.
Two 18-year-olds from Hallam and Hampton Park planned to attack an ANZAC Day ceremony in Melbourne, which included targeting police officers, authorities said. ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand observed each year on April 25.
"Some evidence that was collected at a couple of the scenes and some other information we have leads us to believe that this particular matter was ISIS-inspired," Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said, according to Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
"At this stage we have no information that it was a planned beheading," Patton added. "But there was reference to an attack on police."
A third man was arrested on weapons charges, and two other teens, both from Narre Warren, were taken into custody to assist police with their investigation.
A "number" of the men arrested attended the Al Furqan Islamic study centre in South Springvale, ABC reported.
Searches were continuing Saturday at several locations in the Melbourne area and the investigation into the alleged plot was ongoing.
"At this stage we are comfortable we have this threat is fully contained," Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Gaughan said.
Patton, meanwhile, urged calm after the arrests and reassured residents of their safety ahead of the holiday.
“During ANZAC Day commemorations we encourage people to continue with their plans, but remain vigilant," Patton said. "The community should be reassured by the increased police presence at events.”
Australian authorities held a news conference Saturday announcing the arrests.
