A caravan containing explosives and documents suggesting plans for an attack against the Jewish community has been discovered in Sydney’s north-west. This alarming incident raises concerns about national security.
A resident found the caravan on the side of Derriwong Road in Dural, north of Sydney, 10 days ago on January 19, as confirmed by NSW Police.
Inside the caravan, Powergel explosives were discovered, which police believe may have been taken from a mining site.
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Over 100 police personnel are currently working on the investigation.
During a press conference this evening, Deputy Police Commissioner David Hudson stated that the van was seized by police a week ago. He indicated that detectives believe it may have been intended for an attack on the Jewish community.
“The caravan contained an amount of explosives and some indication that those explosives might be used in some form of antisemitic attack,” Hudson explained.
He acknowledged the community’s concern regarding the incident and emphasized that there is no information suggesting further explosives are present in the community for conducting antisemitic attacks.
“We believe that we have contained appropriately this current threat,” Hudson affirmed.
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Hudson confirmed that arrests have already been made in connection with the discovery, but noted that police had not previously informed the public as inquiries were still ongoing.
Authorities are also investigating the possibility that the caravan was intentionally dumped to be found.
“That’s one of the lines of inquiry that we’re pursuing, whether it is a strategic matter that they’ve left those there to be discovered by police or authorities,” Hudson noted.
NSW Police are treating this find as a credible terrorist threat.
During the conference, Premier Chris Minns referred to the discovery as an act of terrorism.
“It’s very important to note that police will make a decision about enacting terrorism powers if they require that… however this is the discovery of a potential mass casualty event, there’s only one way of calling it out and that is terrorism,” he stated.
He expressed concern over the presence of individuals with malevolent ideologies in the community, stating, “They’re intent on doing damage and harm to others in our community, purely on the basis of their religion. It’s hateful. It’s an ideology that we need to stamp out.”
He assured the public that the threat was being taken “incredibly seriously.”
Premier Minns further emphasized that in light of the rising antisemitic attacks, anyone attempting terrorism, violence, or hatred in the community will face the full force of the law.
Peter Wertheim, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, issued a statement assuring there is no ongoing threat related to the discovery.
“We were most concerned to read the reports of this alarming incident,” he stated. “The Executive Council of Australian Jewry has been in contact with the Australian Federal Police and we have been assured there is no ongoing threat to the Jewish or wider community.”
He concluded by urging that the matter is being thoroughly investigated by the police.
Hudson also confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the community at this time.
