25-year-old man arrested on terror charges in Australia

A man has been arrested in Sydney on alleged terrorism offences as part of ongoing investigations into plans for an attack on Australian soil, police said Monday. [caption id=“attachment_1849549” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  People look on as events unfold on a street where a cafe is being used to hold hostages in the central business district of Sydney. AFP[/caption] The 25-year-old was seized as part of “continuing investigations into the planning of a terrorist attack on Australian soil and the facilitation of travel of Australian citizens to Syria to engage in armed combat”. He was reportedly arrested as he left a prayer hall, with police due to hold a press conference later Monday with more details. The arrest comes after Canberra in September raised its terror threat level and conducted large-scale counter-terror raids across the country. Only two people were charged despite 800 officers being involved in the operation. More than 70 Australians are currently fighting for Islamic militants in Iraq and Syria. At least 20 have died and there are mounting concerns that increasing numbers of youths are being radicalised and could mount attacks at home. Canberra recently passed a law criminalising travel to terror hotspots without good reason, fearful that nationals will pose a risk when they return. Under new laws, anyone who heads to nominated areas will face up to 10 years in jail. AFP